Commuters traveling on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) should prepare for potential delays as the Traffic Department has issued an advisory cautioning about slow traffic movement. The advisory, released on Friday, highlights that ongoing road construction, single-lane stretches, and the movement of nomadic herds are likely to cause congestion on Saturday, May 23.
Traffic on NH-44 has been sluggish in recent days, particularly between Marog and Kishtwari Pather. According to officials, the single-lane road conditions combined with the breakdown of two heavy motor vehicles at Dalwas and the transit of eight nomadic herds between Nachlana and Banihal contributed to the slowdown from May 21 to May 22. Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that additional nomadic herds are expected to move through the Marog–Kishtwari Pather stretch, potentially exacerbating the traffic situation.
The Traffic Department is urging commuters to practice lane discipline and refrain from overtaking to mitigate congestion. Authorities are also recommending that passengers and transporters travel on the highway during daylight hours and avoid night journeys due to the risks of shooting stones, landslides, and ongoing construction activities between Ramban and Banihal. Movement of nomadic populations toward the Kashmir Valley adds another layer of complexity, requiring careful coordination and caution.
Subject to favorable weather and improved road conditions, all types of vehicles, including light motor vehicles (LMVs), passenger vehicles, private cars, heavy motor vehicles (HMVs), and goods carriers, will be permitted to travel from both Jammu and Srinagar sides on NH-44. The movement of Security Forces convoys will also be facilitated, contingent upon coordination with the Traffic Control Unit (TCU) Ramban.
For those planning to use the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road (NH-244), traffic will be restricted to light motor vehicles and private cars traveling from Srinagar towards Kishtwar via Daksum and Sinthan Top. This allowance is dependent on weather conditions and clearance from NHIDCL authorities (officials said). Vehicles will be permitted to travel from Daksum between 10:30 am and 3:30 pm, with no vehicle movement allowed outside of these designated hours.
On the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari (SSG) road, LMVs will be allowed to proceed from both Srinagar and Kargil sides until 1:00 pm, contingent upon clearance from maintenance agencies, (traffic authorities said). Heavy motor vehicles will be permitted only from Sonamarg towards Kargil between 12 noon and 3:00 pm. Drivers have been advised to carry anti-skid chains due to slippery road conditions along this route.
The Mughal Road will remain open for both LMVs and HMVs up to six tires, provided that weather conditions remain favorable. Vehicles traveling from Chandimarh (Buffliaz) towards Shopian will be allowed between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. Traffic from Herpora towards Poonch will be permitted between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm, subject to clearance from GREF authorities.
To stay informed about the latest road and traffic conditions, the Traffic Department is advising commuters to contact the Traffic Control Units established in Jammu, Srinagar, Ramban, Udhampur, Kishtwar, and Kargil before commencing their journey. By staying updated, travelers can make informed decisions and adjust their plans as needed to minimize potential disruptions.
The advisory highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining smooth traffic flow on critical roadways in the region, especially given the combination of construction activities, weather-related risks, and logistical complexities associated with nomadic movements.
These travel advisories underscore the importance of proactive communication and preparedness for those who regularly travel in these areas. Commuters are asked to exercise patience and cooperation with traffic authorities to ensure safety and minimize disruptions. The Traffic Department continues to monitor the situation closely and will issue further updates as needed.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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