Ramban/Jammu: The J&K Traffic Police Headquarters has released the official advisory for Friday, January 16, 2026, bringing relief to transporters. Contrary to earlier restrictions, authorities have permitted two-way traffic for both Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), subject to fair weather.
Advisory Note: While traffic is open, commuters are strictly advised to avoid night travel due to the apprehension of shooting stones and ongoing construction risks between Ramban and Banihal.
1. Jammu-Srinagar NH-44 Status (Open Both Ways)
- LMVs (Private Cars): Allowed from both sides (Jammu to Srinagar and vice-versa).
- HMVs (Load Carriers): Allowed from both sides.
- SF Convoys: Allowed from both sides after confirming road status from TCU Ramban.
- Caution: Drivers should expect slow movement due to single-lane bottlenecks at:
- Nashri-Dalwas
- Balinalla & Dewal
- Marog to Kishtwari Pather
2. Other Key Routes: Mughal Road & SSG Road
- Mughal Road (Open): LMVs with Anti-Skid Chains allowed from both sides.
- Timing: 10:30 AM to 02:30 PM (from Chandimarh & Herpora).
- Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari (SSG) Road (Open): Traffic allowed from Srinagar towards Kargil.
- Timing: 11:00 AM to 03:00 PM (from Sonamarg).
- Condition: HMVs (up to 6 tyres) and LMVs must use Anti-Skid Chains.
- Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag NH-244 (CLOSED): Completely closed for vehicular movement due to fresh snow accumulation.
3. Why Was Traffic Slow Yesterday?
The Traffic Control Unit observed significant congestion over the last 24 hours (Jan 14-15) due to:
- Breakdown of 02 HMVs on the highway.
- Single-lane traffic at critical sinking zones like Dalwas and Marog.
- Poor Lane Discipline: Authorities have warned that overtaking and wrong-lane driving are the primary causes of current jams.
Key Highlights
- NH-44 Status: Open Both Ways (LMVs + Trucks).
- Closed Route: Kishtwar-Sinthan (NH-244).
- Mughal Road: Open (Chains Mandatory).
- Warning: Do not travel at night.
FAQ Section
A1: Yes. The advisory explicitly states that HMVs (Goods carriers) shall be allowed from both sides, subject to fair weather.
A2: Yes, but only for LMVs with Anti-Skid Chains. The timing is strictly between 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM.
A3: Be prepared for delays at Dalwas, Balinalla, and Marog. These areas are currently operating as single lanes.
