Key Highlights:
- NH-44 (Jammu-Srinagar): Traffic allowed from both sides (Jammu ⇄ Srinagar), subject to fair weather.
- NH-244 (Kishtwar-Sinthan): CLOSED due to fresh snow accumulation.
- Mughal Road & SSG Road: Open conditionally; Anti-skid chains mandatory.
- Critical Advisory: Commuters advised to travel during daytime only. Avoid night journeys between Ramban and Banihal.
In view of the inclement weather prediction issued by the MeT Department for the next few days, the Traffic Police Headquarters J&K has issued a cautious advisory for January 23, 2026.
1. Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) Status
Subject to fair weather and better road conditions, Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) will be allowed to ply from both sides—from Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa.
- Constraint: The Traffic Control Units (TCU) in Jammu and Srinagar will coordinate based on real-time road conditions.
- Warning: Slow movement was observed over the last 24 hours due to single-lane traffic and breakdowns at Balinalla, Dewal, Nashri-Dalwas, Marog, and Kishtwari Pather. Commuters must expect congestion and maintain lane discipline.
2. “Avoid Night Travel” Warning
The advisory explicitly states:
“Passengers/LMV operators are advised to prefer journey on Jammu-Srinagar NHW during daytime. Night travel should be avoided due to the apprehension of shooting stones/landslides.”
Ongoing construction activities between Ramban and Banihal pose a safety risk during dark hours, especially with the predicted rain/snow.
3. Status of Other Key Roads
- Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag (NH-244): ⛔ CLOSED. Vehicular movement is suspended due to fresh snow accumulation.
- Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) Road: Traffic allowed from Kargil towards Srinagar (Minamarg to Srinagar) between 1100 hrs to 1500 hrs, subject to a green signal from BRO. Anti-skid chains are mandatory.
- Mughal Road: Subject to clearance, LMVs with anti-skid chains allowed from 1030 hrs to 1430 hrs.
Important Traffic Control Unit (TCU) Numbers
People are advised to undertake journeys only after confirming the status of the road from these official numbers:
- Jammu: 0191-2459048, 9419147732
- Srinagar: 0194-2450022, 1800-180-7091
- Ramban: 9419993745, 1800-180-7043
- Udhampur: 8491928625
- PCR Kishtwar: 9906154100
