Ramban, Sep 13: The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open for regulated two-way traffic on Sunday, with vehicular movement continuing between Udhampur and Banihal.
However, traffic remained slow at several vulnerable and construction-affected stretches due to rain-related road damage, single-lane regulation, ongoing four-laning works, vehicle breakdowns and the movement of nomadic livestock herds.
According to traffic authorities, very slow movement was reported at Dewal in Udhampur district, where a nearly 30–40-metre portion of the highway was damaged following recent rainfall.
The affected stretch has developed an uneven and undulating surface, necessitating regulation of traffic through a single lane. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed men and machinery at the location and restoration work is underway to repair the damaged portion and facilitate smoother vehicular movement.
Rain-induced erosion has also affected the Srinagar-bound tube at Dewal, with damage reported at two to three locations. Traffic is being regulated through single-lane passages at these points as a precautionary measure.
In Ramban district, traffic continued to move slowly along the Maroog–Kishtwari Pather stretch amid ongoing four-laning, construction and road improvement works. Restricted carriageway width and uneven road conditions have been contributing to delays, particularly during periods of increased traffic.
The movement of nomadic livestock herds also affected traffic flow at some locations. Traffic authorities reported four herds migrating seasonally from the Kashmir Valley towards Jammu along the Banihal–Nachlana section.
Their movement through the single-lane Maroog–Kishtwari Pather stretch was expected to cause intermittent slowing of traffic.
The breakdown of a few vehicles, one at Dalwass, further contributed to temporary congestion. Traffic personnel were deployed at vulnerable and congested points to regulate movement and prevent the formation of major bottlenecks.
SSP Traffic National Highway Raja Adil Hameed urged commuters to follow the directions of traffic personnel, maintain lane discipline and exercise patience while passing through single-lane and construction-affected stretches.
Officials cautioned that NH-44 remained vulnerable to sudden disruptions in the event of fresh rainfall, landslides, mudslides, shooting stones or further deterioration of road surfaces. Passenger and Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) operators travelling between Ramban and Banihal have been advised to undertake journeys during daylight hours and avoid unnecessary night travel through vulnerable stretches.
Meanwhile, amid ongoing widening works on the Digdole–Khooni Nallah section, the movement of Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers continues to remain restricted during daytime hours.
Under the prevailing traffic advisory, such tankers are permitted to proceed beyond Chenani only between 5 pm and 5 am.
Heavy vehicle operators have also been directed to strictly adhere to prescribed loading limits, avoid overloading and ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before commencing journeys. Transporters have been advised to carry adequate fuel in view of possible delays caused by traffic regulation, road repairs, construction activity and adverse weather conditions.
Traffic authorities have advised commuters and transporters to obtain the latest highway status from Traffic Control Units (TCUs) at Jammu, Ramban and Srinagar before starting their journey and to comply with the latest traffic advisories.
