Ramban, Mar 8: The National Highway 44, which connects Srinagar and Jammu, remained open on Sunday for two-way movement of light, medium and heavy motor vehicles, though traffic flow was reported to be slow at several stretches due to single-lane road stretches and due to four-lane construction works between Ramban and Banihal sectors.
Traffic authorities said that, subject to fair weather , the Srinagar-Jammu highway to remain open on Monday as well for two-way movement of Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs).
Officials reported that traffic movement remained sluggish at multiple locations between Maroog and Kishtwari Pather due to single-lane stretches and ongoing four-laning construction works along the Ramban–Banihal sector. The breakdown of a few heavy vehicles also contributed to temporary bottlenecks. Despite these challenges, hundreds of private cars and light to medium passenger vehicles travelled on both sides of the highway throughout the day.
The Traffic Department issued a fresh advisory stating that, weather and road conditions permitting, light, medium and heavy vehicles will continue to ply from both sides towards Srinagar and Jammu on Sunday. Until the filing of this report, the highway witnessed a steady movement of vehicles, mainly load carriers, passing through the Ramban–Banihal stretch. Authorities attributed the slow movement primarily to narrow road stretches between Maroog and Kishtwari Pather and the breakdown of heavy vehicles along the route.
Passengers and LMV operators have been advised to undertake travel only during daytime hours. Night travel has been discouraged due to the risk of shooting stones, landslides and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal. Commuters have been advised to confirm the latest road status with the Traffic Control Units in Jammu, Srinagar, Udhampur and Ramban before planning their journeys. Meanwhile, National Highway 244, which connects Kishtwar with Sinthan Top and Anantnag, was reopened.
Authorities said subject to fair weather and good road conditions and after getting green signal from NHIDCL only passenger light motor vehicles, private cars would be allowed to from both sides viz Kishtwar towards Srinagar and vice-versa via Sinthantop. These vehicles shall be allowed from Police Post Parana towards Anantnag and from Police Post, Daksum towards Kishtwar between 9am to 3pm. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timing.
