J-K: NH44 traffic suspended for 3 days ahead of Amarnath Yatra, says SSP Raja Adil Hamid Ganai
Ramban, June 11
Traffic on the National Highway 44 has been suspended for three days to facilitate repair work ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, Senior Superintendent of Police Traffic, National Highway, Adil Hamid Ganai said on Thursday.
Speaking to ANI, Ganai said, "To ensure smooth and hassle-free travel for Amarnath Yatries during the upcoming Yatra starting July 3, the NH44 stretch between Nachlana and Hingni, falling between Ramsu and Banihal, will be repaired and macadamised."
The SSP added that traffic between the Chenani-Nashri (Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee) Tunnel and Navyuga Tunnel in Banihal, spanning approximately 63 km, will be suspended on the intervening nights of June 12-13, June 14-15, and June 16-17 from 10 pm to 5 am.
"No vehicle heading to Srinagar will be allowed beyond Jakheni in Udhampur after 5 pm, and no vehicle moving towards Jammu beyond Qazigund after 9 pm will be permitted during these nights," Ganai said.
However, he clarified that the restrictions will not apply to vehicles plying between Jammu or Udhampur and Batote, Doda, or Kishtwar. Vehicles will be allowed to move freely between Udhampur and Kishtwar during this period.
Ganai further added that, "They advised the drivers and commuters to plan their travel during daytime to avoid any inconvenience for themselves and hindrance in the NH44 repair work. He said that for more information and clarification, any person can contact the Traffic Control Units of Jammu, Srinagar and Ramban on the telephone numbers given in the Traffic Advisory already issued in the print and electronic media by the Traffic Police Headquarters."
The annual Amarnath will officially begin on July 3 and is set to conclude after 57 days on August 28, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan. The pilgrimage will commence simultaneously from the traditional 48-km Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the safety concerns, suspending traffic for 3 nights will cause huge inconvenience for locals and daily commuters. Many people depend on this highway for their livelihood. Couldn't they have done this maintenance during off-season? 😕
As someone who has done the Amarnath Yatra twice, I can say this road is crucial for safety. The stretch near Nachlana is particularly dangerous with sharp turns and landslides. If they fix it properly now, it will benefit everyone - pilgrims and locals alike. Well planned timing before the yatra rush begins.
Hats off to the SSP and traffic police for thinking ahead! Last year's yatra had so many delays due to bad road conditions. But I hope they also deploy extra traffic personnel during the yatra days, not just before. And please ensure the emergency vehicles can still pass if needed. Jai Mata Di! 🚩
I understand the need for road repairs, but why only night suspensions? Truck drivers and transport operators will suffer heavy losses. The police should have arranged alternative routes or provided clear advance notice. Communication could have been better - many drivers are still unaware of this restriction.
Finally some proactive measures! I remember in 2022, our yatra bus got stuck for 4 hours near Banihal because of a landslide that could have been prevented with proper maintenance. The 63km tunnel-to-tunnel stretch is the most critical part. Kudos to the administration for prioritizing pilgrim safety over convenience. Babbar Sher! 💪
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