Snowfall likely in Kashmir Region; Traffic restrictions imposed on Jammu-Srinagar highway

Traffic will continue to ply from both sides of the 300 km Jammu-Srinagar highway on Saturday, although weatherman has predicted snowfall in Kashmir.

Under the influence of a western disturbance, according to Met department, heavy snowfall may take place at few places in the valley while plains may receive a smaller shares, compared to upper reaches.

“The prediction is till Saturday and the situation may change later,” Director Meteorological department Sonam Lotus told. A day earlier weatherman had also urged the state administration to be prepared and maintain vigil.

Traffic update

In the meantime, officials at traffic department said Traffic on Jammu -Srinagar National Highway will ply both ways but with some restrictions in place.  “In view of winter season, from Jammu (Nagrota), Srinagar-bound passenger vehicles will be allowed to move only between 6 AM to 1 PM while heavy vehicles will be permitted only between 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM,” officials said.

The movement of oil tankers shall be allowed upto 1 PM. No Srinagar-bound passenger vehicle and oil tanker will be permitted to cross Udhampur (Jekhani Chowk) after 2:30 PM and no heavy vehicle will be permitted after 1.30 PM.  “From Qazigund light motor vehicles shall be permitted to move towards Jammu only between 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM while heavy vehicles shall be permitted only between 9 AM to 2 PM,” official added.

Notably, Bandipore-Gurez, Synthan-Kishtwar roads have already been closed for all sort of traffic till further orders.