Srinagar- The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remained severely congested for nearly 24 hours as single-lane traffic restrictions and vehicle breakdowns disrupted movement at several key stretches, officials said on Friday.
Traffic movement was severely affected at Balinalla, Dewal, Nashri–Dalwas, and the stretch between Marog and Kishtwari Pather, where vehicles were forced to move on a single lane, leading to long queues and delays.
“Passengers and Light Motor Vehicle drivers are strongly advised to travel on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway during daylight hours only,” the traffic officer said, warning that night travel remains particularly difficult.
He said the situation worsens after dark due to heavy movement of Heavy Motor Vehicles between the Nashri and Navyug tunnels, which often leads to congestion and traffic bottlenecks.
The official cautioned motorists against overtaking and wrong-lane driving, stating that such violations further aggravate congestion. Traffic regulation, he said, would depend on fair weather and road conditions, with both Light Motor Vehicles and Heavy Motor Vehicles allowed to ply from Jammu and Srinagar.
Real-time traffic updates will be coordinated through Traffic Control Units (TCUs) in Jammu and Srinagar in coordination with the Ramban TCU, the official added.
He further said that movement of security forces convoys on NH-44 will also be allowed from both directions, subject to prevailing road and weather conditions. Convoy commanders have been instructed to confirm the highway’s operational status with the Ramban TCU before commencing their journey.
Meanwhile, major alternate routes remain closed. The Kishtwar–Sinthan–Anantnag road (NH-244) has been shut due to fresh snowfall and accumulation of snow, while the Mughal Road continues to remain closed for the winter season.
Traffic on the Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumari road towards Kargil will be allowed only after clearance from the Border Roads Organisation and under favourable weather conditions. A strict travel window from Sonamarg towards Kargil will be enforced daily between 11 am and 3 pm.
During this period, only Light Motor Vehicles and Heavy Motor Vehicles with up to six tyres fitted with anti-skid chains will be permitted to travel. Motorists have been advised to carry anti-skid chains to ensure safer movement on slippery stretches. Final cut-off timings will be announced by the TCU Srinagar and the Police Control Room Kargil.
Security forces convoys travelling from Srinagar towards Kargil have been directed to plan their movement in a manner that does not disrupt civilian traffic.
The traffic department has urged all commuters to check the latest route status before undertaking their journey to avoid inconvenience.
