Jammu commuters warned as NH‑44 movement regulated on vulnerable stretches amid rain forecast

Traffic advisory issued for Jammu–Srinagar NH‑44; single‑lane stretches, breakdowns slow movement

Jammu — Authorities on Tuesday said movement along the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH‑44) will be regulated at several vulnerable stretches owing to slow traffic, single‑lane sections and uneven road surfaces, and as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rainfall over the coming days.

The Traffic Police Headquarters, Jammu and Kashmir, issued the advisory after recording very slow movement on NH‑44 between 4 pm on August 16 and 4 pm on August 17. The department said the slowdown was largely attributable to single‑lane, undulating and uneven sections at Dhalwas in Udhampur and between Marog and Kishtwari Pather, along with the breakdown of two vehicles at Nachlana and Marog.

• Key vulnerable locations: Dhalwas (about 30–40 metres single‑lane), Marog–Kishtwari Pather, Nachlana.
• Primary causes of disruption: Single‑lane sections, undulating/uneven road surface, vehicle breakdowns, ongoing construction (Ramban–Banihal).
• Weather factor: IMD forecast of rain that may increase the risk of shooting stones and landslides.

"Traffic movement on the Jammu‑Srinagar National Highway (NH‑44) will remain regulated at several vulnerable stretches" — Traffic Police Headquarters, J&K.

The advisory asks commuters to confirm the status of the highway through Traffic Control Units (TCUs) based at Srinagar, Ramban or Jammu before undertaking journeys, and to check updates on the J&K Traffic Police's social media platforms. It recommends that passengers and light motor vehicle (LMV) operators prefer daytime travel and avoid night journeys because of the possibility of shooting stones, landslides and disruptions caused by ongoing construction between Ramban and Banihal.

Operators of goods carriers, including heavy vehicles (HGV/HMV) and LMVs transporting fresh perishable goods or livestock, were specifically advised to adhere to loading advisories issued by the Traffic Police Headquarters. The department urged HGV/HMV operators to avoid overloading, carry sufficient fuel and ensure vehicle fitness before beginning the trip on NH‑44.

Commuters have been asked to refrain from unnecessary halts, particularly in areas prone to landslides and shooting stones between Ramban and Banihal. The advisory noted that traffic has been regulated at Dhalwas, where roughly 30–40 metres of the carriageway remains single‑lane, a factor that has contributed to queueing and slow movement.

Officials attributed the slowdown on Sunday–Monday to the combination of restricted single‑lane stretches and two vehicle breakdowns that further impeded flow at Nachlana and Marog. The Traffic Police said such incidents, coupled with adverse weather, could significantly affect transit times and safety.

Local implications for Jammu residents and transporters

For Jammu-based travellers and freight operators, the advisory carries immediate operational consequences. Preference for daytime transit will affect scheduling for long‑distance passenger services and goods carriers. Transporters carrying perishable consignments and livestock have been reminded to plan loads and trip timings in line with the Traffic Police advisories to avoid spoilage or animal distress due to delays.

Public safety messaging underscores that construction activity on the Ramban–Banihal stretch remains an independent factor that may cause inconvenience even in dry conditions. With the IMD signalling potential rain, the combined hazards—construction, single‑lane sections and rockfall risk—require heightened caution from drivers and timely coordination with traffic authorities.

The Traffic Police advisory functions as a precautionary measure to manage traffic flow and reduce the risk of accidents and prolonged stranding on one of the region's principal lifelines. Travellers planning to use NH‑44 are advised to verify road status with the TCUs at Srinagar, Ramban or Jammu and to follow real‑time updates posted by the traffic department.

Authorities continue to monitor conditions on NH‑44 and will regulate movement to ensure safety. Travellers are encouraged to carry sufficient fuel, check vehicle fitness, avoid overloading, and plan journeys after confirming the latest highway status.