Jammu & Kashmir Traffic Advisory: Travel Guidelines for March 6, 2025

The Traffic Police Headquarters, J&K, Jammu/Srinagar, has issued an important advisory for commuters traveling on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) and other key routes in the region.

Traffic Situation on NH-44 (March 4-5, 2025)

Between March 4, 1700 hrs, and March 5, 1700 hrs, slow traffic movement was observed on NH-44 due to:

• Breakdown of two heavy motor vehicles (HMVs).
• Single-lane traffic at Dalwas, Mehad, Marog, and Kishtwari Pather.
• Ongoing four-lane construction work.

Travel Advisory for Passengers & Goods Carriers

1. Daytime Travel Recommended: Passengers and LMV operators should avoid traveling at night due to the risk of shooting stones between Ramban and Banihal.
2. Loading Advisory for Goods Carriers: HMVs and LMVs carrying perishable goods or livestock should follow loading guidelines issued by the Traffic Police to ensure smooth movement on the single-lane stretches.
3. Vehicle Fitness & Fuel:
   • HMVs should avoid overloading and carry sufficient fuel for their journey.
   • Vehicle owners must double-check vehicle fitness before traveling on NH-44.
4. HMVs with Only 6 & 10 Tyres Allowed via Dhar Road.
5. Avoid Unnecessary Stops: Commuters must not halt between Ramban and Banihal, especially in landslide-prone areas.

Traffic Plan & Advisory for March 6, 2025

Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44)

• Passenger & Private LMVs: Allowed from both sides (Jammu to Srinagar & vice versa), subject to favorable weather and road conditions.
• Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs): Load carriers will be allowed to move from Jakheni (Udhampur) to Srinagar, based on road condition assessments.
• Security Forces (SFs) Movement: SF convoys should follow the advisory and avoid traveling against the traffic plan to prevent congestion between Nashree and Banihal.

Road Status Updates for Other Routes

• Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag Road (NH-244): Closed as per SDM Kokernag’s order dated January 16, 2025.
• Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari (SSG) Road: Still closed due to snow accumulation.
• Mughal Road: Closed per DM Poonch’s order dated January 18, 2025, due to heavy snow.
• Bhaderwah-Chamba Road: Remains closed due to snow accumulation.

Important Helpline Numbers

Before traveling, people are advised to confirm road status with Traffic Control Units:

• 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

Final Advisory

Travelers are urged to check real-time traffic updates on the official J&K Traffic Police Twitter and Facebook pages before planning their journey.

Power demand increases by nearly ‘80 MWs’ in Ramadhan

Generation takes a jump post rainfall, Lower Jhelum produces nearly 90 MWs

Srinagar, Mar 05 (KNO): In Kashmir valley, the power demand has increased by nearly 80 Megawatts (MWs) in the ongoing holy month of Ramadhan during peak hours.

A top official of Power Development Development (PDD) informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the power demand has increased from the past four days by nearly 80 MWs in comparison to previous month.

The official said, “As of now in Ramadhan, the power supply and demand is touching at least 1900 MWs. Yesterday, we delivered over 1900 MWs of power.”

“On an average, there used to be a peak power demand of 1800 MWs in the previous month, but in ongoing Ramadhan the power demand is much higher,” the official said.

The official further added, “Currently, the power demand in Kashmir valley has increased by nearly 80 MWs. The power demand however fluctuates and is not below the 1900 MWs.”

On asking about the power generation, the official said, “Power generation has slightly increased due to the recent rainfall.”

“As of now, the lower Jhelum power plant in Kashmir region is producing 90 MWs on an average,” the official said.

Pertinently, KNO in previous week reported that Jammu and Kashmir is currently relying on more than 85 percent of coal and solar power amid acute deficit of hydro power generation.

Officials of PDD department had claimed that local hydro power generation from the local power plants have reduced by nearly 90 percent.

An official had informed that “At present Jammu and Kashmir is 85-90 percent dependent on coal and solar energy that is being procured from the other states because as of now we don’t have a local power generation.”

“In winters the local hydro power generation of Jammu and Kashmir power plants has reduced by almost 90 percent and in order to cater the requisite power demand, we need to have a base power availability that we procure from outside states. The energy is coal based energy,” the official had said—(KNO)

Restore July 31, December 5 Holidays, Shift Jailed Youth Back to J&K: PDP MLA Waheed Parra

Jammu, Mar 5: Member legislative Assembly Waheed Parra on Tuesday demanded the restoration of public holidays on July 31 and December 5 in Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking in the J&K Assembly Waheed as per news agency JKNS urged the government to transfer Kashmiri youth, currently imprisoned in jails outside the Union Territory, to local prisons.

“The holidays on July 31 and December 5 should be restored. Also, Kashmiri youth detained outside J&K must be shifted back to local jails so that their families don’t suffer,” Parra said, as per news agency JKNS.

Citing his own experience of facing two UAPA cases, he highlighted the hardships endured by detainees and their families due to incarceration outside J&K. His demand was backed by People’s Conference chief Sajad Lone, who sought support from a National Conference MLA on the issue. (JKNS)

Amarnath 2025 to commence from July 03

Srinagar, Mar 05 JKNS:- The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) has officially announced that the Amarnath Yatra for 2025 will commence on July 3 and conclude on August 19.

This annual pilgrimage to the sacred Amarnath Cave, located in the Kashmir Himalayas, attracts thousands of devotees who come to pay homage to Lord Shiva.

An official told news agency JKNS that registration for the Yatra is mandatory for all pilgrims and is conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.

” Each applicant must submit a duly filled application form along with a Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) issued by authorized medical institutions. The registration fee is ₹150 per person.” He said.

“Specific dates for the commencement of the registration process will be announced by the SASB in due course.” He said.

For pilgrims seeking a quicker journey, helicopter services are available from Baltal and Pahalgam to Panjtarni, which is a short distance from the Holy Cave,he said.

He added that details regarding helicopter bookings, including dates and procedures, will be updated on the official SASB website.—(JKNS)