Srinagar, Jan 22: Authorities on Saturday said that traffic on Jammu-Srinagar highway, the only surface link connecting Kashmir valley with the outside world, may remain suspended in view of heavy rainfall prediction issued by MeT department.
However, a traffic department official here said if the thoroughfare remained open, LMVs (passenger) and private cars shall be allowed from Jammu towards Srinagar “strictly one way”.
“In view of heavy rainfall prediction issued by MeT department, tomorrow (on Sunday) traffic on Jammu-Srinagar highway(NH-44) may remain suspended,” the official said, adding, “However, if highway remained open inspite of predicted rainfall then LMVs(Passenger)/ private cars shall be allowed from Jammu towards Srinagar (strictly one way) on Jammu-Srinagar highway.” TCU Jammu shall liaise with TCU Ramban before releasing the traffic, he said.
The cut off timings for LMVs/private cars from Nagrota (Jammu) will be 1000 hours to 1300 hours and from Jakheni (Udhampur) 1100 hours to 1400 hours “(subject to change depending on the road position then)”. “No Vehicle shall be allowed before and after cut off timings.”
Regarding heavy vehicles/load carriers, he said, subject to better road condition, HMVs shall be allowed from Jakheni (Udhampur) towards Srinagar after assessing the traffic situation. TCU Udhampur shall liaise with TCU Ramban before releasing the HMVs, the official said.
“Security Forces are advised/requested not to ply against advisory/ traffic plan in view of traffic congestion on Jammu-Srinagar highway. They may ply from Jammu towards Srinagar after confirming the status of highway.”
Meanwhile, Mughal Road, connecting Shopian with Poonch and Rajouri districts, remained closed for vehicular movement in view of snow accumulation at Peer Ki Gali.
Also, Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road remained shut for vehicular movement in view of snow accumulation on Zoji la axis and has been closed till further orders. Kishtwar-Sinthan road also remained closed in view of snow accumulation, the traffic department official said.
