Ramban, Nov 20: The Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remained open for the two-way movement of light, medium, and heavy vehicles on Thursday, traffic officials said.
In a fresh advisory issued for Friday, the Traffic department announced that subject to fair weather and satisfactory road conditions, NH-44 would continue to remain open for all categories of vehicles.
Officials monitoring the highway said that although the route stayed open throughout the day, traffic movement was slow at several stretches including Balli Nullah, Dewal, Nashri–Dalwas, Maroog, and Kishtwari Pather between Udhampur and Banihal – primarily due to single-lane restrictions at multiple points.
The breakdown of several heavy vehicles also contributed to the slow movement.
Despite these challenges, hundreds of vehicles crossed both the Chenani-Nashri and Banihal-Qazigund (Navyug) tunnels until late Tuesday evening, officials added.
Authorities have advised drivers of light motor vehicles and private cars to plan their journeys during daylight hours, cautioning that night travel may be inconvenient due to the movement of heavy vehicles between the two major tunnels.
The advisory also emphasised the importance of lane discipline, adherence to traffic rules, and avoiding overtaking or driving on the wrong side – violations that often lead to congestion and delays.
Travellers have been urged to follow the latest traffic updates before starting their trips.
It is noteworthy that road widening and tunnel construction under the four-laning project are ongoing at several locations between Ramban and Banihal, which continues to affect traffic movement.
