Traffic resumes on Jammu-Srinagar highway after night-long suspension

Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway resumed on Friday morning after being suspended overnight due to snowfall in the Banihal sector, officials said. The highway was closed around 7 pm on Thursday due to slippery road conditions at several locations between Ramsoo and Banihal in Ramban district, leaving over 300 vehicles stranded.

“The highway reopened around 7 am on Friday and is now operating smoothly in both directions,” said Deputy Superintendent of Police (Traffic), National Highway, SP Singh.

He stated that snow-clearance machinery was deployed on Thursday evening, allowing most of the stranded vehicles to be cleared. With improved weather conditions on Friday morning, the clearance operation was expedited, facilitating the resumption of traffic.

Meanwhile, several other roads connecting Kashmir and surrounding regions, including Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag, Mughal Road, and Bhaderwah-Chamba Road, remain closed due to heavy snow accumulation.

In an advisory, the Traffic Police stated, “Passengers and LMV operators are advised to undertake journeys on the Jammu-Srinagar NH during daylight hours due to the risk of shooting stones between Ramban and Banihal.”

Operators of goods carriers (HMVs/LMVs) transporting fresh perishables and livestock were advised to load their vehicles according to the guidelines issued by the Traffic Police Headquarters. This is due to the single-lane traffic and poor road conditions at Dalwas, Mehad, and between Marog and Kishtwari Pather on the NH.

“Subject to fair weather and improved road conditions, LMVs (passenger/private cars) and HMVs will be allowed to travel in both directions on the Jammu-Srinagar NH. Security forces’ convoys will also be permitted from both sides,” the advisory further stated.

Additionally, the Traffic Police informed that the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road remains closed for vehicular movement, as per an advisory issued by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Kokernag.

Regarding the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road, the advisory for Saturday stated, “Subject to fair weather and good road conditions, only one-way traffic for light vehicles, followed by HMVs with anti-skid chains, will be allowed from Srinagar towards Kargil. These vehicles will be permitted to travel from Sonamarg towards Kargil between 10 am and 3 pm. No vehicle will be allowed after the cut-off time. Motorists are advised to carry anti-skid chains for better grip on slippery roads.”