J&K Police Advisory urges Daytime Travel amid Road repairs and Shooting stone threats
Jammu/Srinagar, Jun 08: The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), a critical arterial route in Jammu & Kashmir, witnessed major traffic slowdowns over the past 24 hours due to the breakdown of two heavy motor vehicles (HMVs), ongoing four-laning construction, and restricted single-lane stretches at Dalwas, Peeda, Mehad, and the section between Marog and Kishtwari Pather. These disruptions, reported by the J&K Traffic Police Headquarters, caused prolonged congestion for travelers moving between Jammu and Srinagar.
Traffic authorities regulated vehicle flow at high-pressure zones including Mehad, Cafeteria, and Ramban where single-lane bottlenecks extend up to 200 meters. Commuters were strongly advised to maintain lane discipline and avoid overtaking or using the wrong lane, as such behavior could intensify the already strained traffic situation. Patience was urged, especially where vehicles are moving in the opposite direction on narrow roadways.
Due to a heightened risk of shooting stones between Ramban and Banihal, light motor vehicles (LMVs) and passenger transport are advised to travel only during daylight hours. The Jammu-Srinagar NHW has become increasingly hazardous in this sector, and night travel could expose travelers to unexpected geological events.
Goods carrier operators, especially those transporting fresh perishable commodities or live stock, are advised to strictly follow advisories issued by the Traffic Police Headquarters. Loading must comply with safety norms, particularly in view of road degradation at key points including Dalwas and the Marog-Kishtwari Pather stretch. Vehicle fitness, adequate fuel supply, and avoidance of overloading are essential requirements for HMVs on this route. Only HMVs equipped with six or ten tyres are permitted to use the alternate Dhar Road.
The Traffic Police has also emphasized that unnecessary halts between Ramban and Banihal must be avoided, especially near landslide-prone or shooting stone areas, to ensure unimpeded vehicular flow and enhanced safety.
For June 9, 2025, subject to favorable weather and road conditions, light passenger vehicles will be allowed to ply from both Jammu to Srinagar and vice versa along NH-44. HMVs will be permitted from NAVYUG Tunnel (Qazigund side) towards Jammu only after road assessment, and strictly before 1600 hrs. Traffic Control Units (TCUs) in Jammu, Srinagar, and Ramban will coordinate and communicate any real-time updates.
On NH-244 (Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road), light motor vehicles and high-passenger service vehicles will be allowed in both directions if the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) clears the route. Vehicles will be permitted from PP Parana towards Anantnag between 0800 hrs to 1600 hrs, and from PP Daksum towards Kishtwar between 0900 hrs to 1500 hrs. Heavy motor vehicles not classified as HPSVs will remain restricted as per orders issued by the SDMs of Chhatroo and Kokernag.
The Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari (SSG) road will open in a regulated manner with LMVs and HMVs allowed from Minamarg to Srinagar between 0800 hrs and 1130 hrs, and from Sonamarg to Kargil from 1300 hrs to 1630 hrs, subject to clearance from the Border Roads Organisation. Travel beyond the cut-off timings will not be permitted.
On the Mughal Road, light passenger vehicles will be permitted from both directions via Poonch, depending on weather and approval from road maintenance authorities (GREF). Only HMVs carrying fresh perishables or fruit with up to six tyres will be allowed to move from Shopian towards Poonch between 0600 hrs and 1900 hrs, in accordance with the latest directives from the District Magistrate of Poonch.
To ensure safe and informed travel, commuters are urged to verify the real-time status of road conditions through official Traffic Control Units or by checking updates on the Jammu & Kashmir Traffic Police’s verified Twitter and Facebook platforms.
