NH-44 Jammu Srinagar Highway Traffic Jam: Repair Work, Night Closures Disrupt Travel Before Amarnath Yatra 2026
By: Javid Amin | 14 June 2026
Hours-Long Traffic Gridlock Hits Jammu-Srinagar Highway as NHAI Speeds Up Repairs
The lifeline road connecting Jammu with the Kashmir Valley — the NH-44 Jammu–Srinagar Highway — witnessed hours-long traffic congestion as repair and resurfacing work created major bottlenecks between Ramban and Banihal.
The disruption comes at a crucial time when authorities are accelerating road improvement activities ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra 2026, scheduled to begin on July 3.
The traffic slowdown has mainly affected stretches where the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is carrying out bituminous relaying and macadamisation work. With several sections operating under single-lane conditions, even minor disruptions such as vehicle breakdowns have resulted in long queues.
Why Is NH-44 Facing Heavy Traffic Congestion?
1. Major Repair and Resurfacing Work Underway
The primary reason behind the traffic congestion is ongoing road maintenance work ordered by NHAI.
Critical sections, including areas around Nachlana and Hingni, are undergoing resurfacing activities. Workers are carrying out:
- Bituminous relaying
- Road strengthening
- Macadamisation work
- Surface improvement before the pilgrimage season
While the repairs are necessary to improve road safety and ensure smoother travel during the upcoming yatra, the ongoing construction has temporarily reduced road capacity.
Night Traffic Suspensions Trigger Daytime Congestion
To allow uninterrupted repair work, authorities have announced temporary night traffic restrictions.
Traffic movement has been suspended during:
- June 12–13
- June 14–15
- June 16–17
The restrictions remain effective from:
10 PM to 5 AM
During these hours, road sections are kept clear for construction activities. However, the vehicles stopped overnight begin movement during the daytime, creating heavy pressure on already restricted highway stretches.
Single-Lane Roads Become Major Bottlenecks
Several sections between Marog and Kishtwari Pather have become congestion points due to narrow road space.
Because of single-lane movement:
- Vehicles are moving slowly
- Heavy vehicles require more time to pass
- Traffic accumulation increases quickly
- Overtaking becomes difficult
The Ramban-Banihal section has historically remained one of the most challenging parts of NH-44 due to difficult terrain, frequent landslides, and limited expansion space.
Heavy Vehicle Breakdowns Add to Highway Chaos
The situation worsened after multiple heavy vehicles developed mechanical problems along the Ramban-Banihal route.
At least three heavy motor vehicles reportedly broke down, blocking movement and creating additional delays.
On mountain highways, a single disabled truck can significantly impact traffic flow because alternative routes are limited.
Traffic Advisory: Restrictions for Travellers on NH-44
Authorities have issued movement guidelines for commuters, tourists, transport operators, and essential service vehicles.
| Location | Restriction |
|---|---|
| From Udhampur towards Kashmir | No vehicle movement after 5 PM towards Ramban, Banihal and Srinagar |
| From Qazigund towards Jammu | No vehicle movement after 8 PM |
| Night closure timing | 10 PM to 5 AM on scheduled dates |
| Day movement | LMVs and HMVs allowed depending on weather and road conditions |
Travellers are advised to avoid late evening movement and plan journeys during daylight hours.
Highway Risks: Landslides and Shooting Stones Remain a Concern
The Ramban-Banihal highway corridor remains vulnerable due to its mountainous terrain.
Common challenges include:
- Shooting stones from hill slopes
- Landslides during unstable weather
- Sudden traffic halts
- Reduced visibility during rain
Authorities continue to advise caution, especially for night travellers.
Impact on Tourists, Traders and Local Economy
The traffic disruption has economic consequences beyond travel inconvenience.
Tourist Movement
Summer is one of the busiest seasons for Kashmir tourism. Delays on NH-44 can affect:
- Tourist arrivals in Srinagar
- Hotel check-in schedules
- Travel packages
- Airport and railway connections
Transport and Perishable Goods
Truck operators carrying fruits, vegetables and other perishable items have been advised to plan schedules according to traffic restrictions.
Long waiting hours can increase:
- Fuel costs
- Delivery delays
- Product spoilage risks
Amarnath Yatra Preparation: Why Repairs Are Being Prioritised
The highway serves as one of the main access routes for thousands of pilgrims and travellers during the Amarnath pilgrimage season.
Authorities are pushing to complete repair work before the yatra begins on July 3 and continues until August 28.
The objective is to:
- Improve road safety
- Reduce travel disruptions
- Handle increased pilgrimage traffic
- Strengthen damaged highway sections
When Will Traffic Conditions Improve?
Officials expect intermittent congestion to continue through the repair phase, particularly during working hours and after night closures.
Once resurfacing work is completed, traffic flow is expected to improve significantly.
However, travellers should continue monitoring:
- Weather conditions
- Road status updates
- Official traffic advisories
before starting their journey.
Important Traffic Control Unit Contact Numbers
For real-time highway updates, travellers can contact:
Traffic Control Unit Jammu:
0191-2459048
0191-2740550
Traffic Control Unit Srinagar:
0194-2450022
18001807091
Traffic Control Unit Ramban:
9419993745
Traffic Control Unit Udhampur:
8491928625
Travel Tips for NH-44 Commuters
Before travelling on the Jammu-Srinagar highway:
- Start journeys early in the morning
- Avoid night travel during closure periods
- Keep extra fuel and essentials
- Check weather updates
- Expect delays near Ramban-Banihal
- Follow traffic officials’ instructions
Final Outlook
The current NH-44 traffic crisis is largely linked to temporary infrastructure work rather than a permanent road failure. The repairs are aimed at creating safer and smoother travel conditions before the busy Amarnath Yatra season.
Until the work is completed, commuters should expect slow movement, especially around narrow stretches between Ramban and Banihal. Careful planning and checking official advisories remain the best way to avoid unnecessary delays.
