Jammu, Jun 21: In view of necessary repair and maintenance works, the Jammu-Srinagar national highway will be closed for all traffic on Friday, according to an announcement by Ramban Deputy Commissioner Mussarat Islam. This decision comes amidst the preparations for the annual Amarnath yatra set to commence in the valley from July 1.
As the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country, the NH-44 closure will affect the movement of vehicles. The first batch of pilgrims for the Amarnath yatra is scheduled to depart from Jammu base camp Bhagwati Nagar on June 30, a day prior to the official start of the pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine located at an elevation of 3,880 meters, housing the naturally formed ice-shivling.
The deputy commissioner’s office tweeted that June 23 has been designated as a “no traffic day” on National Highway-44. This temporary closure is essential to facilitate urgent repair and maintenance activities by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) between Nashri and Banihal tunnels.
Commuters on the highway have been facing significant delays and congestion due to heavy traffic, particularly at areas prone to landslides such as Dalwas, Cafeteria Morh, and Nachlana over the past two weeks. Additionally, overloaded or unfit heavy motor vehicles are prohibited from plying on the highway, as their breakdowns often lead to traffic jams and inconvenience for others. Traffic police have been instructed to take action against violators.
Regarding the ongoing construction work, the deputy commissioner provided an update, stating that the remaining portion of the 1.06 km Ramban flyover is nearly complete. Once operational, this flyover will help bypass the Ramban market, which frequently experiences traffic congestion.
Travelers and commuters are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and seek alternative routes during the temporary closure of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway on June 23.
