Srinagar: The Traffic Police Headquarters has green-lit traffic on major arteries for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, subject to fair weather conditions. However, commuters on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) are issued a specific warning regarding frozen road surfaces in the Banihal sector.
1. Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44)
Status: OPEN (Both Ways)
- Vehicles Allowed: LMVs (Passenger/Private Cars) and HMVs (Load Carriers) are allowed from both Jammu towards Srinagar and Srinagar towards Jammu.
- Tunnel Advisory (Critical): Special caution is advised near Jawahar Tunnel and Navyug Tunnel (Banihal-Qazigund).
- The Risk: Sub-zero morning temperatures are causing frost and “Black Ice” to form on the road surface, making it extremely slippery.
- Advice: This reinforces the police advisory to travel during daylight hours only. Avoid early morning transit through these sectors to prevent skidding accidents.
- Congestion Points: Expect slow traffic at Balinalla, Dewal, Nashri-Dalwas, and Marog-Kishtwari Pather due to single-lane conditions and breakdown of HMVs.
2. Mughal Road (Traffic Resumed)
Status: OPEN (Both Ways with Conditions)
- Requirement: Only LMVs with Anti-Skid Chains are allowed.
- Route: Allowed from both Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa via Poonch.
- Timing:
- From Chandimarh (Baffliaz): 10:30 AM to 02:30 PM
- From Herpora (Shopian): 10:30 AM to 02:30 PM
- Strict Rule: No vehicle will be allowed after the cut-off time.
3. Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari (SSG) Road
Status: OPEN (One Way: Srinagar towards Kargil)
- Requirement: LMVs followed by HMVs (up to 6 tyres) with Anti-Skid Chains.
- Timing: Vehicles allowed from Sonamarg towards Kargil between 11:00 AM to 03:00 PM.
- Note: Security Force convoys must coordinate to ensure civil traffic is not disturbed.
4. Road Closures
- Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag (NH-244): CLOSED due to fresh snow accumulation.
Traffic Control Unit (TCU) Contacts
Travelers are advised to confirm the road status before starting their journey.
| Location | Contact Numbers |
| Jammu | 0191-2459048, 0191-2740550, 9419147732, 103 |
| Srinagar | 0194-2450022, 2485396, 1800-180-7091, 103 |
| Ramban | 9419993745, 1800-180-7043 |
| Udhampur | 8491928625 |
| PCR Kishtwar | 9906154100 |
| PCR Kargil | 9541902330, 9541902331 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: Apart from shooting stones, the area around Navyug and Jawahar Tunnels develops Black Ice (invisible frost) in the early morning, which significantly increases the risk of vehicles skidding.
A: No. Only vehicles equipped with anti-skid chains are allowed on Mughal Road due to slippery conditions.
A: Yes, HMVs (Load Carriers) are allowed from both sides, but they must maintain lane discipline to avoid gridlocks at single-lane stretches like Dalwas.
Read Also:
AUTHORSHIP & TRANSPARENCY
- Reported by: Kitto Traffic Desk | Source: Traffic Police Headquarters, J&K (Advisory dated Jan 19 for Jan 20).
- Community Update: Facing slippery roads near the tunnels? Comment below to alert fellow travelers.
- Accountability: Found an error? Email kittonews@gmail.com.
