NH-44 Alert: Highway Open but “Jam-Packed” at Dalwas – Check Cut-Off Timings

Traveling between Jammu and Srinagar today? The road is open, but be ready for delays. Here is the latest traffic advisory for January 5, 2026.

Key Highlights

• The Status: Two-way traffic allowed for Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs).
• The Problem: Single-lane movement at Dalwas and Mehar-Cafeteria Morh.
• The Warning: Expect travel time to increase by 2–3 hours due to congestion.
• Heavy Vehicles: HMVs allowed from Jakhani (Udhampur) towards Srinagar after LMVs clear.

NH-44 Traffic Update: Green Signal with a Caution

RAMBAN: The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), the lifeline of the Kashmir valley, is officially OPEN for vehicular movement from both sides today, January 5, 2026.

However, the J&K Traffic Police has issued a cautionary advisory. While the weather is clear along the highway (unlike Gulmarg), the road condition at certain stretches in the Ramban district remains poor.

“Patience Required at Dalwas”

The biggest bottleneck continues to be the Dalwas stretch near Nashri. Due to ongoing road widening and mudslides, the road has narrowed to a single lane.

• Impact: Vehicles are being allowed to pass one by one, causing long queues on both sides.
• Police Advisory: “Please stick to your lane. Overtaking at Dalwas will lead to a complete gridlock,” a Traffic official stated.

Cut-Off Timings for Today (Jan 5)

For smoother regulation, the following timings are being enforced:

• From Jammu (Nagrota): LMVs can cross between 06:00 AM to 01:00 PM.
• From Srinagar (Qazigund): LMVs can cross between 06:00 AM to 01:00 PM.
• Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs): Trucks will be allowed from Jakhani (Udhampur) towards Srinagar only after the tail-end of LMV traffic has crossed. No HMVs allowed from Srinagar side today.

Weather & Shooting Stone Alert

While it is snowing in the higher reaches, the highway sector (Ramban-Banihal) is currently experiencing overcast clouds.

• Warning: Drivers are advised to be cautious at Mehar, Panthyal, and T2 Tunnel areas, where shooting stones may occur if it rains.

Mughal Road & SSG Road Status

• Mughal Road: Vehicular movement allowed for LMVs (Subject to fair weather).
• Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) Road: CLOSED for slippery conditions at Zojila.
• Bhaderwah-Chamba Road: CLOSED due to snow accumulation.

Emergency Helplines

If you are stuck in a jam, contact the Traffic Control Units (TCU) for live updates:

• TCU Ramban: 9419993745
• TCU Jammu: 0191-2459048
• TCU Srinagar: 0194-2450022
• NHAI Helpline: 1033

Also Read

• Tangmarg-Gulmarg Road Status Jan 5: Chains Mandatory, Tempo Travelers Banned
• Highway Alert: NH-44 Open but Slow; Mughal Road Closed Due to Snow
• J&K Traffic Advisory (Sunday): NH-44 Open but Slow; Mughal Road & Sinthan Top Remain Closed
• Traffic Advisory (Jan 2): Is Jammu-Srinagar Highway Open? Check Road Status & Flight Alerts
• NPS Rules Changed (Jan 1): Withdraw 80% Cash & Stay Till 85 – Check New Benefits