Traffic Police issue advisory, urge commuters to confirm status, avoid night travel
Srinagar: The Meteorological Department has forecast erratic weather conditions across Jammu and Kashmir till April 10, with spells of rain and snow, prompting authorities to issue advisories for residents, farmers, and travellers.
An official of the MeT office in Srinagar told that from April 3 onwards the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy with intermittent light to moderate rain and snowfall at many places. “Thunderstorms, hailstorms, and gusty winds are also likely during the afternoon of April 3 through the evening of April 4,” he added.
The official said isolated higher reaches of both Kashmir and Jammu divisions may receive moderate to heavy rain or snowfall during this period.
Weather conditions are expected to improve slightly on April 5 and 6, with partly cloudy skies and light rain at isolated locations. However, fresh spells of light to moderate rain or snow in higher reaches, accompanied by thunder and gusty winds, are likely again from April 7 to 9.
The MeT office has warned of thunderstorms, hailstorms, and gusty winds with speeds of 40–50 kmph at a few places between April 3 and 4. It has also cautioned that intense showers over short periods could trigger flash floods, landslides, shooting stones, and waterlogging in vulnerable and low-lying areas.
Farmers have been advised to suspend agricultural operations during this period, while travellers have been asked to plan their journeys accordingly.
TRAFFIC POLICE HEADQUARTERS ISSUES ADVISORY
Meanwhile, the Traffic Police Headquarters issued a detailed advisory in view of the forecast, urging commuters to travel only after confirming road conditions.
Officials said traffic movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remained slow between Marog and Kishtwari Pather over the past 24 hours due to single-lane traffic and breakdown of three heavy motor vehicles.
Subject to fair weather and road conditions, all categories of vehicles — including light motor vehicles, passenger vehicles, private cars, and heavy motor vehicles — will be allowed to ply on NH-44 from both Jammu and Srinagar sides. Security forces’ convoys will also be permitted after coordination with traffic control units.
Commuters have been advised to prefer daytime travel on the highway and avoid night journeys due to the risk of landslides, shooting stones, and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal.
The Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road (NH-244) remains temporarily closed for vehicular movement as per district administration orders.
On the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari (SSG) road, traffic will be allowed subject to weather and clearance from road maintenance agencies. However, no vehicle will be permitted after the cut-off time of 10:30 am due to the risk of avalanches along the Zojila axis. Motorists have been advised to carry anti-skid chains.
Similarly, traffic on the Mughal Road will be allowed only for light motor vehicles, including passenger and private cars, from both sides between specified timings, subject to weather conditions and clearance from authorities.
Authorities have urged people to follow lane discipline and avoid overtaking to prevent congestion.
Traffic control units across Jammu, Srinagar, Ramban, Udhampur, Kishtwar, and Kargil have issued helpline numbers for real-time updates, and commuters have been advised to check road status before undertaking any journey—(KNO)
