Qazigund, Dec 20: In view of the weather forecast predicting moderate to heavy snowfall in higher reaches and light to moderate rain and snowfall in the plains from December 20 to 23, 2025, a high-level coordination meeting was convened at Qazigund on Friday to ensure smooth traffic movement on National Highway-44.
The meeting was chaired by Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic Rural Kashmir, R. P. Singh and attended by senior officers from the district police, civil administration and key stakeholder agencies, including Ramki, Beacon, Nowyug Tunnel (Qazigund–Banihal Tunnel) authorities and toll plaza authorities of Qazigund and Banihal. Senior traffic officers, including DySP Traffic Qazigund, SDPO Qazigund, Tehsildar Qazigund, DTI Qazigund, DTI Anantnag and officers from Police Post Jawahar Tunnel, were also present.
The meeting focused on preparedness and coordination to ensure commuter safety and uninterrupted vehicular movement on NH-44 during anticipated adverse weather conditions.
Authorities directed all concerned agencies to undertake timely and continuous snow clearance operations to keep the highway functional. It was also decided that cemented barricades would be installed at identified cut points to prevent wrong-lane driving and ensure disciplined traffic flow.
Adequate snow-clearing machinery and recovery equipment will be deployed at slippery and accident-prone stretches, while additional traffic personnel will be stationed from Pampore to the Nowyug Tunnel, with special attention to sensitive sections of the highway.
The Nowyug Tunnel authorities were instructed to regulate or suspend traffic during extreme weather to prevent vehicles from getting stranded inside the tunnel. Toll plaza authorities were advised to maintain close coordination with all stakeholders for timely action.
Commuters were urged to follow traffic advisories, drive cautiously and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy snowfall.
Addressing the meeting, SSP R. P. Singh stressed seamless coordination, effective communication and swift response to ensure public safety. A comprehensive action plan was finalised to minimise disruptions and ensure safe traffic movement on NH-44 during the forecast period.
