Ramban, Sep 5: The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open for regulated two-way traffic on Saturday, with vehicular movement continuing along the Udhampur-Banihal corridor.
However, traffic remained slow at several vulnerable locations due to road damage caused by recent rains and ongoing restoration, widening and construction works.
According to traffic authorities, movement remained particularly slow at Dewal in Udhampur district, where an approximately 30 to 40-metre portion of the highway was damaged following recent rainfall.
The affected stretch developed an uneven surface and undulations, prompting regulation of traffic through a single lane.
The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed men and machinery at the site and is undertaking restoration work to repair the damaged portion and improve the road surface.
Restoration work is also continuing on the Srinagar-bound tube at Dewal, where erosion caused by rainfall has resulted in single-lane movement at two to three locations.
Traffic is being regulated at these points to prevent congestion and facilitate the safe passage of vehicles.
In Ramban district, traffic remained regulated on the Maroog-KishtwariPather stretch, where motorists were negotiating restricted single-lane sections amid ongoing construction and road improvement works.
While traffic remained largely manageable, intermittent slowdowns were reported at construction zones and other vulnerable locations.
Officials at the Traffic Control Unit (TCU), Ramban, said the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway continued to remain open and traffic was being regulated through the available carriageways.
Traffic personnel have been deployed at vulnerable points to manage movement and minimise congestion.
Authorities, however, cautioned that the condition of the highway remained sensitive to weather conditions, particularly amid intermittent rainfall and extensive construction activity along the corridor.
Fresh landslides, mudslides, shooting stones, road damage or other obstructions could result in traffic regulation, diversion or temporary closure of the highway.
Passenger and Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) operators travelling between Ramban and Banihal have been advised to undertake journeys during daylight hours and avoid unnecessary night travel, particularly on vulnerable stretches where shooting stones, landslides and mudslides pose risks.
Motorists have also been urged to maintain lane discipline, avoid overtaking and wrong-lane driving, and refrain from unnecessary stoppages at sensitive locations, as such violations can cause congestion and further hamper movement on already restricted portions of the highway.
Meanwhile, in view of the ongoing widening work along the Digdol-KhooniNalla section of the highway, the movement of Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers continued to remain restricted during daytime hours.
As per the prevailing traffic advisory, such tankers are permitted to proceed beyond Chenani only between 5 pm and 5 am.
Heavy vehicle operators have been directed to strictly adhere to prescribed loading norms and avoid overloading.
They have also been advised to ensure proper vehicle fitness and carry adequate fuel, keeping in view the possibility of delays due to traffic regulation, road repairs, construction activity and adverse weather.
Traffic authorities further advised commuters and transporters to check the latest status of the highway before commencing their journey, particularly on Sunday, in view of the adverse weather advisory issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Meanwhile, SSP Traffic National Highway Ramban Raja Adil Hamid advised commuters to remain in contact with the Traffic Control Units at Jammu, Ramban and Srinagar for the latest updates and follow all traffic advisories issued by the authorities.
Officials reiterated that strict adherence to traffic restrictions, lane discipline and cooperation from motorists would be essential to ensure safe and smooth movement along the highway while restoration and widening works continue at multiple locations.
