ibn sultan
Srinagar, Jan 25: After remaining closed for two consecutive days due to snowfall, authorities on Sunday allowed stranded vehicles at Jakhani in Udhampur district to move towards Srinagar on the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway, officials said.
However, there was no movement permitted for Jammu-bound vehicles from Qazigund in south Kashmir, where hundreds of commuters remain stranded. Officials said the highway stretch ahead of Qazigund continues to be unsafe due to fresh snowfall and slippery conditions.
Station House Officer Qazigund Nazir Andrabi advised people not to move towards the highway unless official updates are issued by the traffic department. He said no vehicle has been allowed to proceed ahead from Qazigund as of now.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Ramban Deputy Commissioner Ramban said that stranded vehicles, including both light motor vehicles and heavy motor vehicles, at Ramsoo, Ramban and Banihal were allowed to move towards Banihal as part of a regulated clearance operation. He clarified that no fresh traffic was permitted to enter the highway.
Officials said the road surface remains slippery due to fresh snowfall, and traffic is being managed cautiously to avoid any mishap. Authorities have urged commuters to strictly follow traffic advisories and avoid unnecessary travel until the highway is fully stabilised and declared safe.
Traffic authorities said further movement will be reviewed based on weather conditions and road safety assessments. [KNT]
