LMVs from Srinagar restricted on NH-44 amid vehicle breakdowns, bad road conditions; alternative routes open

Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) is facing delays for vehicles traveling towards Srinagar (downstream). Light motor vehicles (LMVs) are currently not being allowed to proceed due to a backlog of heavy motor vehicles (HMVs).

This restriction is due to the delayed clearance of Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs), which is attributed to several breakdowns, the poor surface condition of the road, and the challenging 90-degree curves near Tunnel T5.

Traffic update at 0715 hrs@JmuKmrPolice@JKTransportDept@OfficeOfLGJandK@Divcomjammu@DivComKash@ZPHQJammu@igpjmu@diprjk@ddnews_jammu@ddnewsSrinagar@ddnewsladakh pic.twitter.com/H1RRx2psYZ

— J&K Traffic Police (@Traffic_hqrs) May 28, 2024

Adding to the complexity of the situation, the movement of nomadic flocks along the highway has further hindered the traffic flow.

Traffic police advise commuters to be patient and follow lane discipline. Overtaking attempts are strongly discouraged, as they can worsen the situation.

While NH-44 remains problematic, alternative routes are available for vehicular movement. The Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) road, Mughal Road, and Bhaderwah-Chamba road, along with NH-244, are open and can be used as alternate routes to ease the pressure on NH-44.