Ramban, Aug 16: Vehicular movement on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway was disrupted for some time on Sunday after a fresh landslide blocked the Srinagar-bound (up tube) at Dhramthal near Samroli in Chenani area of Udhampur district.
The landslide brought a substantial quantity of debris onto the carriageway, prompting traffic authorities to immediately divert vehicles from the affected stretch through the alternate Jammu-bound (down tube) to maintain connectivity on the vital highway.
Traffic officials said the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), the concerned road maintenance agency, was immediately alerted and its teams were mobilised to undertake clearance operations.
Officials indicated that the massive debris slide at Dhramthal could take several days to clear.
To facilitate the movement of traffic during the clearance operation, inter-lane ramps have been carved out at both ends of the affected stretch, enabling vehicles to bypass the slide zone.
The temporary arrangement is aimed at allowing up and down-bound traffic to continue moving through the available carriageways while restoration work remains underway.
The down tube in the vicinity has also been reduced to single-lane movement at two to three locations due to erosion caused by the recent rains, making traffic regulation necessary at the vulnerable points.
Despite the disruption at Dhramthal, traffic authorities said the highway remained open for regulated two-way traffic between Srinagar and Jammu on Sunday.
Hundreds of passenger vehicles, private cars, goods carriers, and other vehicles crossed the Udhampur-Banihal sector during the day. However, traffic movement remained slow at several vulnerable locations, particularly Dewal in Udhampur district and the Maroog-KishtwariPather stretch in Ramban district.
At Dewal, vehicles were being regulated through an approximately 40-metre damaged, uneven, and undulating single-lane stretch. The restricted carriageway, coupled with ongoing road improvement and highway construction works resulted in intermittent congestion and slow movement.
Similarly, traffic remained slow on the Maroog-KishtwariPather stretch in Ramban, where vehicles continued to negotiate a single-lane portion amid damaged road conditions and ongoing construction work.
Movement of heavy vehicles was particularly slow at these vulnerable locations, prompting traffic personnel to regulate traffic carefully.
Traffic officials also reported breakdowns of a few heavy vehicles between Nashri and Banihal, which temporarily affected the smooth flow of traffic.
Teams deployed along the highway assisted in regulating traffic and facilitating the removal of disabled vehicles.
With weather conditions continuing to remain unpredictable and the possibility of further rainfall, authorities have advised commuters to ascertain the latest traffic status before embarking on their journey.
Passengers and Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) operators have particularly been advised to travel between Ramban and Banihal during daylight hours and avoid unnecessary night journeys due to the possibility of shooting stones, landslides, and other weather-related hazards.
Motorists have also been urged to maintain lane discipline and avoid overtaking, wrong-lane driving, and unnecessary stoppages at vulnerable stretches, as such practices can further aggravate congestion on already restricted sections of the highway.
Truck operators transporting fresh and perishable commodities and livestock have been directed to strictly adhere to prescribed loading norms.
Heavy vehicle operators have been advised to avoid overloading, ensure proper vehicle fitness and carry adequate fuel in view of possible delays caused by adverse weather and road conditions.
Meanwhile, Traffic Control Unit (TCU) Jammu officials said that, subject to fair weather and satisfactory road conditions, passenger LMVs, private cars, and heavy vehicles and goods carriers would continue to be permitted on the highway in both directions.
Authorities, however, cautioned that the movement would remain strictly subject to road conditions, weather developments, and clearance of any fresh obstructions along the highway.
Travellers have been advised to remain in contact with the Traffic Control Units at Srinagar, Ramban, and Jammu and follow official advisories before commencing their journey as well as during travel.
Officials stressed that motorists should exercise maximum caution, particularly at Dhramthal, Dewal, Maroog-Kishtwari Pather, and other vulnerable stretches where traffic is being regulated through single-lane sections to ensure safe and orderly movement along the vital Srinagar-Jammu corridor.
