Ramban, May 29: The Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open for two-way movement of light and medium vehicles on Friday; though traffic movement continued to remain slow at several stretches due to congestion, vehicle breakdowns and the movement of nomadic herds between Ramban and Banihal.
Traffic authorities said that, subject to fair weather and favourable road conditions, the highway is likely to remain open for two-way movement of light, medium and heavy vehicles on Saturday as well.
Officials said heavy congestion was witnessed between Marog and Kishtwari Pather, where single-lane road conditions created bottlenecks and hampered smooth vehicular movement. The situation further worsened after two heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) broke down at Digdool, causing prolonged delays for commuters. Traffic movement was also affected by the large-scale migration of nomadic herds along the Nachlana–Banihal stretch. Officials said around two livestock herds crossed the highway on Friday, while more such movements are expected in the coming days, likely to further impact traffic flow on the busy highway. “Traffic movement on the single-lane stretch between Marog and Kishtwari Pather is expected to remain slow due to the continued movement of nomadic herds,” officials said. Authorities have advised commuters to maintain strict lane discipline and avoid overtaking, warning that wrong-lane driving and traffic violations could lead to further congestion and traffic jams.
Passengers and operators of light motor vehicles have also been advised to undertake travel only during daylight hours and avoid night travel due to the risk of shooting stones, landslides, ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal, and the continued movement of nomadic herds along the highway. Traffic Control Units in Jammu and Srinagar, in coordination with the Ramban district administration, are closely monitoring the situation. Commuters have been urged to check the latest traffic and road status before undertaking their journey on NH-44. Meanwhile, the Kishtwar–Sinthan Top–Anantnag National Highway (NH-244) remained open for vehicular movement.
