Ramban, Mar 20: Despite inclement weather and intermittent rainfall, the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44)—the only all-weather road link connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country—remained open for two-way traffic on Friday. However, vehicular movement was slow, particularly along the Ramban–Banihal stretch, due to adverse weather and ongoing road widening works.
Officials from the Traffic Department said that, subject to fair weather and favourable road conditions, the highway is expected to remain open for two-way movement of light, medium and heavy vehicles on Saturday as well.
Earlier in the day, traffic continued to ply from both directions, though movement remained sluggish between Udhampur and Banihal owing to intermittent rain and fog. The worst-affected stretches were between Maroog and Kishtwari Pather, where single-lane sections and four-laning construction have led to bottlenecks.
Authorities said vehicular movement was further disrupted after a few heavy vehicles broke down, causing temporary congestion in the affected areas. Despite these challenges, hundreds of passenger vehicles, including private cars and buses, managed to travel on the highway, while load carriers continued their movement at a reduced pace.
Traffic authorities have issued an advisory urging passengers and light motor vehicle operators to travel only during daylight hours. Night travel has been discouraged due to the risk of landslides, shooting stones and ongoing construction activity along the Ramban–Banihal stretch.
Commuters have also been advised to check the latest traffic updates with Traffic Control Units in Jammu, Srinagar, Udhampur and Ramban before starting their journey. Authorities said the situation is being closely monitored to ensure safe and smooth movement along the highway.
Meanwhile, the Kishtwar–Sinthan Top–Anantnag highway (NH-244) remains temporarily closed due to the accumulation of snow, officials said.
