Ramban, Jan 15: The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open for two-way movement of Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and heavy vehicles on Thursday, officials said.
Traffic authorities said that, subject to fair weather and favourable road conditions, the highway is also expected to remain open for two-way traffic on Friday.
Though the vehicular movement on the highway continued in both directions throughout the day, traffic flow remained slow at several stretches due to single-lane road conditions.
Officials said congestion was reported at Balli Nullah, Dewal, Nashri-Dalwas, Maroog, and Kishtwari Pather stretches between Udhampur and Banihal.
The situation was further aggravated by the breakdown of two heavy vehicles at different locations, which contributed to delays.
Traffic authorities regulating movement of traffic in Ramban district said that despite the sluggish pace, hundreds of LMVs and heavy vehicles crossed the Chenani-Nashri and Banihal-Qazigund tunnels till late Thursday evening.
In a fresh advisory, the Traffic Department reiterated that the highway would remain open for LMV and heavy vehicles, subject to fair weather and good road conditions.
Authorities advised LMV operators and private car owners to plan their travel during daylight hours and avoid night journeys.
“Night travel should be avoided due to the apprehension of shooting stones and landslides. Ongoing construction work between the Ramban and Banihal sectors may also cause inconvenience to commuters,” the advisory said.
Drivers were urged to strictly maintain lane discipline, follow traffic regulations, and avoid overtaking or driving on the wrong side, as such violations frequently result in traffic jams and delays along the highway.
Traffic Police personnel, assisted by district police and highway patrol units, were deployed at major choke points to regulate traffic and ensure the safe movement of vehicles.
Meanwhile, travellers have been advised to keep themselves updated with the latest traffic advisories before commencing their journey.
Traffic authorities said that the Kishtwar-Sinthan Top-Anantnag National Highway remained closed due to fresh snowfall.
