Traffic Advisory: Jammu-Srinagar NH-44 and Other Key Routes Update

Jammu, March 20, 2025 – The Traffic Police Headquarters, J&K, Jammu/Srinagar has issued a detailed traffic advisory regarding movement on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) and other key routes in the Union Territory.

Traffic Updates on NH-44 (March 19-20, 2025)

Between 1700 hrs on March 19 and 1700 hrs on March 20, 2025, slow movement was observed on NH-44 due to:

• Breakdown of five Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs)
• Single lane traffic at Dalwas, Peeda, Mehad, and between Marog and Kishtwari Pather
• Ongoing four-lane construction work

Advisory for Passengers and Goods Carriers

1. Daytime Travel Recommended
   • Passengers and Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) operators are advised to travel only during the daytime due to the risk of shooting stones between Ramban and Banihal.
2. Goods Carriers (HMVs & LMVs)
   • Operators carrying fresh perishable goods or livestock must adhere to traffic advisories due to single-lane movement and poor road conditions at Dalwas, Mehad, and between Marog & Kishtwari Pather.
   • HMV operators should avoid overloading and ensure they carry sufficient fuel before starting their journey.
   • Vehicles must be double-checked for fitness before undertaking travel on NH-44.
   • Only HMVs with 6 and 10 tyres will be allowed to use the Dhar Road route.
3. Avoid Unnecessary Halts
   • Commuters are strongly advised not to stop between Ramban and Banihal, especially near landslide-prone and shooting stone areas.

Traffic Plan & Advisory for March 21, 2025

• LMVs (Passenger & Private Cars)
  • Two-way traffic will be allowed from Jammu to Srinagar and vice versa, subject to favorable weather and road conditions.
• HMVs (Load Carriers)
  • Only HMVs from Qazigund (Navyug Tunnel side) towards Jammu will be allowed, depending on road conditions.
  • Traffic Control Units (TCU) of Jammu and Srinagar will coordinate with TCU Ramban for real-time road status.

Security Forces Convoy Movement

• Security Forces (SFs) should avoid traveling against the advisory to prevent congestion on the narrow stretch between Nashree and Banihal.
• SF Convoys will be allowed from Srinagar to Jammu, but only after confirming NH-44 status from TCU Ramban.

Status of Other Key Routes

Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag (NH-244)

• This route remains closed as per Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kokernag’s advisory (Ref. No. SDM/KNG/2024-25/3139-45 dated January 16, 2025).

Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari (SSG Road)

• Closed due to heavy snow accumulation.

Mughal Road

• Closed as per District Magistrate Poonch’s order (Ref. No. DMP/JC/7273-92 dated January 18, 2025) due to snow accumulation.

Bhaderwah-Chamba Road

• Still closed due to snow accumulation.

Important Travel Advisory

Travelers are advised to confirm the road status before beginning their journey by contacting the Traffic Control Units (TCU):

Helpline Numbers:

• Jammu: 0191-2459048, 0191-2740550, 9419147732, 103
• Srinagar: 0194-2450022, 0194-2485396, 18001807091, 103
• Ramban: 9419993745, 1800-180-7043
• Udhampur: 8491928625
• PCR Kishtwar: 9906154100
• PCR Kargil: 9541902330, 9541902331

For real-time updates, commuters should follow the J&K Traffic Police’s official Twitter handle and Facebook page.

Weather Update for Jammu & Kashmir: March 20-31, 2025

Forecast Overview

The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has issued the latest weather forecast for Jammu and Kashmir, covering the period from March 20 to March 31, 2025. The forecast suggests relatively stable weather conditions with minor disturbances expected towards the end of March.

Detailed Forecast

• March 20-25: Generally dry weather is expected across Jammu and Kashmir. However, there is a slight possibility of light rain or snow at isolated locations, particularly during the night of March 25.
• March 26-27: A brief spell of light rain and snowfall (in higher reaches) is anticipated at scattered places.
• March 28-31: The weather is expected to remain dry, with no significant weather activity predicted.
• Overall: No major weather disturbances are expected until the end of March.

Advisory & Recommendations

⚠ Travel & Transportation:

• Travelers, tourists, and transporters are advised to stay updated with official traffic and administrative advisories.
• Road conditions may change in higher altitudes, so caution is advised.

⚠ For Farmers:

• Farmers can continue their agricultural activities without major disruptions as the weather is largely favorable.

⚠ Safety Precautions:

• Avoid venturing into avalanche-prone and steep slope areas, especially in higher altitudes.
• Follow safety guidelines if planning treks or outdoor activities in mountainous regions.

Final Note

While March is expected to remain largely stable in terms of weather, minor fluctuations in higher reaches may cause light precipitation. It is advisable to stay informed through official sources for any updates or sudden changes in weather conditions.

Issued by: MET Centre Srinagar