JAMMU, JULY 25: After remaining closed for nearly three days due to relentless rainfall, landslides and shooting stones, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) has been reopened for regulated traffic, bringing much-needed relief to thousands of stranded pilgrims, tourists and commuters. With the highway restored, the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is set to resume on Saturday under enhanced security arrangements and a carefully monitored traffic plan.
The highway, which serves as the only all-weather road link between Kashmir and the rest of the country, was severely affected after continuous rainfall triggered landslides and falling rocks at several vulnerable stretches, particularly between Ramban and Banihal. Road restoration agencies and traffic authorities carried out intensive clearance operations over the past three days before allowing limited movement on Friday.
As per the latest traffic advisory, Yatra convoys, passenger buses, Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and private cars will be permitted to travel from both Jammu and Srinagar, subject to favourable weather conditions and the condition of the highway. Traffic movement will remain strictly regulated through designated cut-off timings to ensure safe passage.
Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) transporting goods will continue to follow an alternate-day movement schedule so that the movement of pilgrims and essential traffic remains smooth and uninterrupted.
Authorities have advised all travellers to avoid night journeys, citing the possibility of fresh landslides, shooting stones and road subsidence due to ongoing rainfall and highway construction work. Pilgrims and commuters have also been urged to verify the latest road status through official traffic control units before starting their journey.
To minimise congestion on NH-44, local commuters travelling towards Srinagar have been advised to use the old Jawahar Tunnel route wherever feasible, while travellers heading towards Doda, Kishtwar, Bhaderwah and adjoining areas have been asked to take the Patnitop road.
In another traffic management measure, empty petroleum tankers, LPG carriers, empty FCI trucks and other notified vehicles returning towards Jammu have been diverted via the Mughal Road, allowing NH-44 to remain available for Yatra convoys and other priority traffic.
Security has also been strengthened along the pilgrimage route. Security force convoys have been instructed to schedule their movement only after the passage of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra convoys to minimise disruption and ensure the safety of pilgrims and civilian traffic.
Officials said the traffic situation will continue to be assessed on a daily basis, depending on weather conditions and road stability. Pilgrims, tourists and commuters have been advised to strictly follow official advisories, adhere to traffic regulations and cooperate with security personnel for a safe and hassle-free journey.
