Srinagar, Jul 10: Traffic movement on the Jammu-Srinagar highway will be allowed on Wednesday after closure of four days, officials said.
The highway, the only surface link connecting Kashmir Valley with the outside world, was shut for traffic on Saturday following heavy rains overnight that triggered multiple landslides and also washed away a portion of nearly 40-metre road stretch near Panthiyal tunnel in Ramban district.
“With strenuous and synergetic efforts of administration and NHAI, over last two days, (highway) has been fully restored for vehicular traffic in record time,” a traffic department official said. “Vehicles and passengers, who were left stranded due to sudden closure of the highway, are being cleared on priority.” He said normal traffic would be allowed from Wednesday morning. “All commuters are hereby advised to follow daily traffic advisory, issued by J&K Traffic Police Headquarters, for hassle free journey.”
He said HMVs operators and owners are requested to desist from overloading.
“It is further requested that vehicle owners must double check the fitness of their vehicles before undertaking journey on Jammu- Srinagar highway”.
Earlier, Director General of Police, J&K, Dilbag Singh visited Banihal-Ramban stretch to take the first hand report of the progress of maintenance and restoration work of the highway.
The DGP inspected the restoration works of dilapidated roads at Lambar, Panthyal and Seri in Ramban, a police spokesperson said. “Project Director NHAI officer Parshotam Kumar briefed the DGP about the progress of the ongoing maintenance work. Measures being taken to address the issues were discussed and certain necessary directions were given on spot by the DGP for the smooth passage of the traffic on the highway.”
Expressing his satisfaction over the maintenance work going on and measures taken for restoration of traffic, the DGP instructed the executing agency to ensure completion of work on war footing and directed to keep adequate machinery at all vulnerable places to clear roads. He directed all the concerned departments to expedite the work to ensure that all necessary measures are taken for the safe and smooth travel of the yatris, tourists and of locals, the spokesperson added.
