On Friday, 9 January 2026, the Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police have allowed two-way movement of light and heavy vehicles on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), subject to fair weather and road conditions, while key mountain routes including Mughal Road and the Kishtwar–Sinthan–Anantnag stretch (NH-244) remain closed due to snow.
The daily traffic plan, issued by Traffic Police Headquarters, J&K, Jammu/Srinagar, notes slow movement on NH-44 after fresh disruptions between Balinalla, Dewal, Nashri–Dalwas and Marog–Kishtwari Pather, and again urges passengers to avoid night travel and strictly follow lane discipline.
Key Highlights
- NH-44 (Jammu–Srinagar): Open both ways for LMVs and HMVs, but with slow movement at several single-lane stretches and recent heavy-vehicle breakdowns.
- SSG Road (Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumari): Movement from Kargil to Srinagar only, 11 am–3 pm, anti-skid chains compulsory, and only after a green signal from BRO.
- Closures: Kishtwar–Sinthan–Anantnag road (NH-244) and Mughal Road remain closed due to snow accumulation; travellers are advised to call helplines before starting.
Main Report
NH-44 open both ways, but expect slow movement
According to the Traffic Plan & Advisory for 09-01-2026 published by State Times, the traffic police reviewed conditions on NH-44 between 4 pm on 7 January and 4 pm on 8 January. They reported slow movement because several sections are single-lane at Balinalla, Dewal, Nashri–Dalwas and between Marog and Kishtwari Pather, compounded by the breakdown of two heavy motor vehicles (HMVs).
For today, January 9, the advisory states that, if weather and road conditions permit, the following will be allowed on NH-44:
- LMVs (Passenger/Private Cars)
- HPSVs (high-passenger service vehicles such as buses)
- HMVs (goods carriers)
Traffic Control Units (TCUs) at Jammu and Srinagar will coordinate with TCU Ramban on the ground to decide release timings and manage any fresh blockages caused by shooting stones, minor slides or vehicle breakdowns through the narrow Ramban–Banihal sector.
Daytime travel strongly advised, night journey discouraged
The advisory strongly recommends daytime travel on the Jammu–Srinagar NH-44 and specifically asks commuters to avoid night journeys, especially when HMVs are moving between the Nashri and Navyug tunnels, where overtaking and wrong-lane driving can quickly trigger jams or accidents in winter conditions.
Drivers are reminded to:
- Maintain strict lane discipline.
- Avoid overtaking on curves or narrow sections.
- Follow instructions from on-ground traffic personnel at choke points.
Security forces convoys
Security Forces (SF) convoys are also permitted from both Jammu and Srinagar on NH-44 subject to fair weather and good road condition, but have been told to move only after confirming the status of the highway with TCU Ramban, so that civilian traffic is not unduly disrupted.
SSG Road, Mughal Road and Sinthan Top status
Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumari (SSG) Road
On the Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumari (SSG) road, which links the Valley with Kargil and Leh, the traffic police say that movement from Kargil towards Srinagar will be allowed only after approval from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and subject to fair weather and good road conditions.
When green-lit, the plan for today is:
- Direction: Minamarg → Srinagar (Kargil side towards the Valley)
- Timings: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
- Vehicle types: First LMVs, then HMVs up to six tyres
- Mandatory gear: Anti-skid chains are compulsory for all vehicles to maintain grip on icy and slippery sections
TCU Srinagar and PCR Kargil will regulate the actual release and cut-off timings and are expected to keep local police and drivers updated.
Kishtwar–Sinthan–Anantnag (NH-244)
The Kishtwar–Sinthan–Anantnag road (NH-244) remains closed for all vehicular movement due to fresh snow accumulation at higher reaches near Sinthan Top. This closure has been repeatedly flagged in recent days by local authorities and J&K notifications collated by JKUpdates and other portals.
Mughal Road
Mughal Road, the high-altitude alternative link between Poonch–Rajouri and Shopian, also remains closed due to snow accumulation, as it has through much of the current cold spell. Seasonal snow along Pir Ki Gali has made it unsafe for routine civilian traffic, and authorities say it will reopen only after snow clearance and a fresh order.
Official Statements
In its formal note titled “TRAFFIC PLAN & ADVISORY FOR 09-01-2026”, the Traffic Police Headquarters, J&K, Jammu/Srinagar states:
“From 07-01-2026, 1600 hrs. to 08-01-2026, 1600 hrs., there was slow movement observed on NH-44 due to single lane traffic at Balinalla, Dewal, Nashri–Dalwas and between Marog and Kishtwari Pather, in addition to the breakdown of 02 HMVs on NH-44.”
The advisory further adds:
“Passengers/LMVs operators are advised to prefer journey on Jammu–Srinagar NHW during day time. Please avoid journey during night hours as the movement of HMVs between Nashri tunnel and NAVYUG Tunnel may cause inconvenience to the commuters.”
On SSG Road, the statement makes the anti-skid chain condition explicit:
“Subject to fair weather and good road condition, (after receiving the green signal from BRO) traffic movement shall be allowed on Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumari road from Kargil towards Srinagar… These vehicles, LMVs followed by HMVs (upto 06 tyres) with Anti-skid chains shall be allowed to move from Minamarg towards Srinagar between 1100 hrs to 1500 hrs.”
The traffic police also list dedicated phone numbers for TCU Jammu, TCU Srinagar, Ramban, Udhampur, PCR Kishtwar and PCR Kargil, stressing that people should “undertake journey only after confirming status of the road” on the day of travel.
Why This Matters
Lifeline for Kashmir’s supplies and travel
NH-44 is the only all-weather road link between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India, carrying essentials, fuel, medical supplies and passenger traffic every day. Even when technically open, single-lane stretches and winter blockages can cause long queues of trucks and buses around Ramban–Banihal, affecting shop supplies and travel plans for days.
Winter weather and risk management
Recent bulletins from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Met Centre Srinagar highlight how winter systems across Jammu & Kashmir can trigger disruption of traffic, snow avalanches, landslides and shooting stones along mountain roads, even when the day’s basic weather forecast shows “nil” warnings for many districts.
Today’s combination of snow-affected side routes (Mughal Road, Sinthan Top) and a partially constricted NH-44 means:
- Students and exam candidates travelling to Jammu or Srinagar should budget extra time.
- Truckers moving perishables or fuel need to factor in delays at known choke points and stay in touch with TCUs.
- Tourists heading to or leaving the Valley are safer planning daytime journeys only, carrying warm clothing, some food and water, and keeping fuel tanks reasonably full in case of longer halts.
Chillai Kalan and ongoing winter pressure
Kashmir is currently in Chillai Kalan, the harshest 40-day winter period from 21 December to 31 January, when persistent cold, fog and intermittent snowfall regularly disrupt roads such as Srinagar–Leh, Mughal Road and high passes. National coverage has already documented closures of these routes during recent spells, underlining how even “routine” winter weather can amplify highway risks.
FAQs
A: Yes. According to the J&K Traffic Police advisory, NH-44 is open for two-way movement of LMVs (Passenger/Private Cars), HPSVs and goods-laden HMVs, subject to fair weather and better road conditions. Travellers should still expect slow movement at single-lane stretches and drive carefully.
A: No. Both routes remain closed due to snow accumulation. Authorities have repeatedly said these roads will reopen only after clearance work and a fresh advisory, so commuters should not plan journeys on these corridors today.
A: From Kargil towards Srinagar, traffic may be allowed between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, but only after a green signal from BRO and subject to weather. LMVs go first, followed by HMVs up to six tyres, and motorists must use anti-skid chains (compulsory) on icy stretches. Exact timing is regulated by TCU Srinagar and PCR Kargil.
A: The advisory lists several helplines, including:
Jammu TCU: 0191-2459048, 0191-2740550, 9419147732, 103
Srinagar TCU: 0194-2450022, 0194-2485396, 1800-180-7091, 103
Ramban TCU: 9419993745, 1800-180-7043
Udhampur: 8491928625
PCR Kishtwar: 9906154100
PCR Kargil: 9541902330, 9541902331
Travellers are encouraged to confirm the latest status on the day of travel using these official contacts.
Transparency & Ethics
Researched with AI assistance; fact-checked and edited by Kitto News editors.
Disclaimer: This article summarises traffic advisories for general public information. Road conditions in hilly areas can change rapidly due to weather, landslides or accidents. Readers should always confirm the latest status with J&K Traffic Police control rooms and local authorities before travelling.
Disclaimer: Phone numbers and timings are taken from official and quasi-official sources available at the time of writing. If any number changes or lines are busy, commuters should use the emergency helpline 103 or local police stations for assistance.
