Rajouri/ Ramban, Jan 10: The Mughal Road remained closed for the sixth consecutive day, while the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open for two-way movement of Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and heavy vehicles on Saturday.
According to officials, severe frost causing slippery conditions on the Mughal Road are resulting in the delay in restoration of the highway, expected to be thrown partially open on Saturday.
It has been lying closed for the past six days after fresh snowfall hit the area and snow accumulated over the road stretch on Monday morning.
Officials said that the road was expected to be partially opened on Saturday, but it was found that fresh frost had increased the existing slippery conditions on its stretch, making vehicular movement risky.
They said that the road has not been opened, and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) sprinkled more salt on its surface to reduce slip.
Officials said that a fresh inspection of the road stretch would be conducted on Sunday to decide about the restoration.
Meanwhile, the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, the crucial all-weather road link connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country, remained open for two-way movement of LMVs and heavy vehicles.
Traffic authorities said, subject to fair weather and good road conditions, the highway would remain open for two-way traffic on Sunday.
They said that though the highway stayed open in both directions throughout the day, traffic movement remained slow at several stretches, including Balli Nullah, Dewal, Nashri-Dalwas, Maroog, and Kishtwari Pather between Udhampur and Banihal due to single-lane road conditions.
Officials said that the breakdown of several heavy vehicles at different points further contributed to the sluggish flow of traffic.
Traffic authorities overseeing regulation in Ramban district said that despite the slow movement, hundreds of LMVs and heavy vehicles crossed the Chenani-Nashri and Banihal-Qazigund tunnels till late Saturday evening.
In a fresh advisory, the Traffic Department announced that the highway would remain open for LMVs and heavy vehicles on Sunday, subject to fair weather and good road conditions.
The authorities urged operators of LMVs and private car owners to plan their journeys during daylight hours.
“Night travel should be avoided as the movement of heavy vehicles between the Nashri and Navyug tunnels during late hours may cause inconvenience to commuters,” the advisory read.
The drivers were reminded to maintain lane discipline, follow traffic regulations, and refrain from overtaking or driving on the wrong side – violations that frequently lead to congestion and delays along the highway.
Traffic Police personnel, supported by district Police and highway patrol units, were deployed at major choke points to regulate the flow and ensure the safe passage of vehicles throughout the day.
Meanwhile, officials advised the travellers to stay updated with the latest traffic advisories before starting their journeys.
