Ramban, Aug 28: Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained blocked for the third consecutive day due to the washing away of road stretches at three different places between Udhampur and Ramban on Thursday.
However, the Ramban to Banihal road stretch was partially opened for some Srinagar-bound vehicles on Thursday. Official sources said road restoration work at several places between Chennai and the Udhampur sector has been started by the NHAI.
Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, Saloni Rai, DIG, Udhampur – Reasi Sarah Rizvi, SSP Traffic National Highway (Headquarter) Ramban, Raja Adil Hamid, are personally monitoring the ongoing road restoration work at several locations between Udhampur and Chenani. Authorities said efforts are being made to restore the Udhampur-Chenani sector of National Highway 44.
Officials said massive damage was inflicted on the National Highway between Jakhiani and Samrolli, especially near Dewal bridge, 100 meters short of Samroli, Bali Nalla, Tharad Bridge and at other locations. Traffic authorities said Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) is closed for vehicular movement from Jakeni (Udhampur) towards Srinagar due to damage at several places between Jakheni, Udhampur and Chenani.
No vehicular movement shall be allowed from Nagrota (Jammu) towards Reasi, Chenani, Patnitop, Doda, Ramban, Banihal, Srinagar etc. Commuters from Katra and Udhampur towns are requested to keep their photo ID card to prove their identification so that their movement can be facilitated smoothly. Meanwhile, authorities have appealed to the public to avoid unnecessary travel on National Highway 44 (NH-44), especially during heavy rains, and follow official advisories for their safety.
On the other hand Jammu – Pathankot National Highway was opened. Traffic authorities said one tube of each bridge of Lakhanpur-Madhopur, Sahar Khad, and Vijaypur on the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway has been damaged due to incessant rains. However, the second tube of each bridge is operational for vehicular movement on a regulatory basis.
Commuters are advised to maintain lane discipline to avoid congestion, its said.
