Jammu, July 31: Vehicular movement on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) continued to remain suspended for nearly nine hours as restoration work progressed on damaged sections of the road between Jakheni in Udhampur and Banihal in Ramban district, officials said on Friday.
According to the Traffic Police Headquarters, J&K, extensive repair and restoration operations are still underway on the affected highway stretch. Authorities have not yet taken a final call on reopening the highway for traffic on August 1, as the decision will depend on a detailed assessment of road conditions and formal clearance from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
Officials said the highway will be reopened only after engineers certify that the route is safe for vehicular movement.
Commuters Advised to Avoid NH-44
Keeping in view the India Meteorological Department’s forecast predicting rainfall over the coming days, the Traffic Police has urged commuters to postpone travel on NH-44 until an official announcement confirms that the highway has been restored and declared safe.
The department also cautioned people against relying on unverified information circulating on social media. Citizens have been advised to obtain authentic road updates only through the Traffic Control Units (TCUs) or the official social media platforms of the J&K Traffic Police.
Traffic Plan for NH-244
Subject to favourable weather, satisfactory road conditions and clearance from the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), light motor vehicles (LMVs), passenger vehicles and private cars will be allowed to use the Kishtwar–Sinthan–Anantnag (NH-244) route from both directions.
Vehicles travelling from Parana towards Anantnag will be allowed between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, while those moving from Daksum towards Kishtwar can travel between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. Authorities have made it clear that no vehicle will be allowed beyond the notified timings.
Advisory for Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumari Road
On the Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumari (SSG) Road, traffic movement will remain subject to weather conditions and clearance from the concerned road maintenance agencies.
Light motor vehicles will be permitted in both directions up to 1:00 pm, while Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) will be allowed only from Sonamarg towards Kargil between 12:00 noon and 5:00 pm. No traffic will be permitted after the scheduled cut-off time.
Drivers have also been advised to carry anti-skid chains as a precaution due to slippery road conditions. Security force convoys have been instructed to regulate their movement to ensure minimal disruption to civilian traffic.
Mughal Road Traffic Schedule
Traffic authorities said that the Mughal Road (NH-701A) will remain open, subject to weather conditions and clearance from the Border Roads Organisation (GREF). Light Motor Vehicles, followed by Heavy Motor Vehicles up to 10 tyres, will be allowed from both sides between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm. No vehicle will be permitted after the prescribed timings.
Public Asked to Verify Road Status Before Travel
The Traffic Police has appealed to the public to check the latest road conditions before undertaking any journey. Commuters have been advised to remain in touch with the Traffic Control Units in Jammu, Srinagar, Ramban, Udhampur, Kishtwar and Kargil for verified updates, especially as rainfall and restoration work continue to impact several key routes across Jammu and Kashmir.This version is significantly rephrased, professionally structured with subheadings, and suitable for publishing on a news website while reducing the risk of copyright issues.
