Ramban, Oct 19: The Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open for traffic on Sunday, though vehicular movement slowed considerably between Ramban and Banihal due to truck breakdowns and the seasonal migration of nomadic families with their livestock.
Traffic officials said several heavy vehicles broke down between Maroog and Kishtwari Pathar, partially blocking the busy stretch. The movement of nomadic herds on foot further compounded congestion.
“Due to multiple truck breakdowns and the movement of nomadic families, traffic moved at a slow pace between Ramban and Banihal. Our teams remained deployed to regulate flow and assist in vehicle recovery,” said a traffic control officer in Ramban.
Authorities allowed one-way movement of heavy vehicles and two-way passage for light and medium vehicles. Jammu-bound trucks moved bumper-to-bumper between Ramsu and Ramban, while valley-bound heavy vehicles were allowed later in the afternoon.
Traffic also remained sluggish at several single-lane sections, including Balli Nullah, Dewal, and Samroli between Nashri and Dalwass, owing to road repairs and narrow stretches.
Despite delays, hundreds of vehicles managed to cross Udhampur and Banihal sectors by late evening. Officials advised commuters to follow lane discipline, avoid overtaking, and check the latest road status with Traffic Control Units before travel.
The Srinagar–Jammu highway, the Valley’s sole all-weather link to the rest of India, continues to witness heavy movement during the ongoing nomadic migration ahead of winter.
