Ramban, Aug 18: The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open to regulated two-way traffic on Tuesday, although movement was slow at several vulnerable stretches in Udhampur and Ramban districts.
Traffic authorities said vehicular movement remained slow at Dewal in Udhampur district, where traffic is being regulated through an approximately 40-metre-long damaged, uneven and undulating single-lane stretch.
Similar restrictions continued on the Maroog-KishtwariPather stretch in Ramban district, where vehicles were negotiating a single-lane portion amid ongoing highway construction and road improvement works.
Meanwhile, restoration work on the Srinagar-bound road tube at Dhramthal (Samroli) in Udhampur district was underway after a massive landslide struck the stretch on Sunday evening, blocking the up tube.
The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed men and machinery to clear the accumulated debris.
Officials said the large debris slide was likely to take several days to remove completely.
To facilitate traffic movement during the restoration work, inter-lane ramps have been carved out at both ends of the affected stretch, allowing vehicles to bypass the slide zone through a temporary arrangement.
SSP Traffic National Highway Raja Adil Hameed said restoration work to clear the Srinagar-bound road tube at Dhramthal was in progress.
Officials said restoration of the up tube is expected to take at least four to five days.
On Monday, at the request of the Traffic Authorities, the NHAI widened and smoothened the inter-lane ramps to facilitate the movement of commuters, particularly heavy trailers and bulkers, across the affected stretch.
Under the temporary arrangement, up- and down-bound traffic is being regulated through the available carriageways to ensure continued movement along the highway.
Officials said the down tube in the vicinity has also been reduced to a single lane at two to three locations due to erosion caused by recent rains, making traffic regulation necessary at the vulnerable points.
Despite the restrictions, hundreds of vehicles crossed the Udhampur-Banihal sector during the day.
Traffic personnel remained deployed at critical locations to regulate movement and prevent congestion.
At Dewal, the damaged and uneven single-lane stretch, coupled with ongoing highway construction activity, resulted in intermittent congestion.
The movement of heavy vehicles was particularly slow.
A similar situation prevailed between Maroog and Kishtwari Pather in Ramban, where vehicles continued to pass through the restricted single-lane stretch amid construction activity and damaged road conditions.
Traffic authorities advised commuters to check the latest status of the highway before undertaking their journey.
Passenger vehicles and Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) operators have been particularly advised to travel between Ramban and Banihal during daylight hours and avoid unnecessary night journeys in view of the risk of shooting stones, landslides and other weather-related hazards.
Motorists have been urged to maintain lane discipline and avoid overtaking, wrong-lane driving and unnecessary stoppages at vulnerable locations, with authorities warning that such violations could further aggravate congestion on already restricted stretches.
Truck operators transporting fresh and perishable commodities and livestock have been advised to strictly adhere to prescribed loading norms.
Heavy vehicle operators have also been directed to avoid overloading, ensure proper vehicle fitness and carry sufficient fuel in anticipation of delays caused by road or weather conditions.
Meanwhile, the Traffic Control Unit (TCU) Jammu 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 to ply on the highway in both directions.
Authorities, however, cautioned that traffic movement would remain strictly subject to prevailing weather and road conditions and the 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 traffic advisories before commencing their journey and while travelling on the highway.
