Jammu-Srinagar Highway Traffic Advisory: NH-44 Routings, Cut-Off Timings, and Yatra Guidelines Issued

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JAMMU/SRINAGAR — July 11, 2026: The Traffic Police Headquarters has issued a comprehensive traffic update and advisory for the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), highlighting recent disruptions and outlining the traffic plan for July 12, 2026. Between July 10 and July 11, vehicular movement on NH-44 slowed significantly due to single-lane conditions between Marog and Kishtwari Pather, compounded by the breakdown of two vehicles at Magerkote and Nachlana. To streamline operations during the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY) 2026, the inter-district movement of local commuters within Jammu and Kashmir will be permitted until 2330 hours at Nagrota (Jammu) and Qazigund, strictly upon the verification of valid photo identity cards, which commuters must carry at all times.

To bypass extensive security screenings at Lamber (Banihal), local commuters driving private vehicles toward Srinagar are strongly advised to use the old road via the Jawahar Tunnel. Similarly, those heading from Jammu to Batote, Doda, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, and surrounding areas should travel via Patnitop to avoid screening at Nashri. In light of potential shooting stones, landslides, and active construction work between Ramban and Banihal, authorities have advised passengers and Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) operators to prioritize daytime travel and completely avoid night driving. Commuters are also cautioned against unnecessary halts along the vulnerable Ramban-Banihal stretch. Meanwhile, Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) operators carrying perishable goods or livestock must load their vehicles in accordance with periodic traffic advisories, as HMVs are restricted to plying on alternate days. Valley-based fruit growers and load carriers heading toward Jammu must park their vehicles by 0900 hours at designated zones between the NAVYUG Tunnel and Levdoora on down-convoy days to ensure smooth passage. Furthermore, HMV owners must rigorously verify vehicle fitness, ensure sufficient fuel reserves, and strictly avoid overloading.

For July 12, 2026, the movement of the SANJY convoy, LMVs, and private cars will be permitted from both sides of NH-44, subject to fair weather and stable road conditions. However, load-carrying HMVs will operate on an alternate-day schedule, with Traffic Control Units (TCUs) in Jammu and Srinagar liaising with TCU Ramban before releasing vehicles. Strict cut-off timings have been established for LMVs and private cars: departures from Nagrota (Jammu) toward Srinagar are scheduled from 0700 hours to 1200 hours; from Jakheni (Udhampur) toward Srinagar from 0800 hours to 1300 hours; and from Qazigund toward Jammu from 1130 hours to 1730 hours. No vehicles will be allowed past these windows. Under favorable conditions, HMVs will be allowed to move from Jakheni (Udhampur) toward Srinagar until a strict deadline of 1900 hours.

To facilitate the unhindered movement of fresh produce, the UT administration has mandated that all empty fuel, diesel, and LPG tankers, along with empty FCI vehicles, must exclusively use the Mughal Road when returning to Jammu. Additionally, vehicles with up to ten tyres carrying perishable goods must divert to the Mughal Road on days when the up-convoy for HMVs is scheduled on NH-44.

Alternative routes across the region are operating under specific administrative regulations. On the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road (NH-244), LMVs and private cars will be permitted to ply from both sides subject to fair weather and clearance from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). Movements from PP Parana toward Anantnag are restricted to between 0800 hours and 1600 hours, while vehicles from Daksum toward Kishtwar are allowed between 0900 hours and 1600 hours. Along the Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumari (SSG) road, bidirectional LMV traffic heading between Srinagar and Kargil is permitted up to 1300 hours, provided road maintenance agencies give the green signal. HMVs on the SSG road will be allowed from Sonamarg toward Kargil between 1200 hours and 1700 hours, with motorists strongly advised to utilize anti-skid chains on slippery stretches. SF convoys on the SSG route must plan movements to prevent civilian disruption. Lastly, the Mughal Road (NH-701A) will open for bidirectional traffic—encompassing LMVs followed by HMVs with up to ten tyres—subject to clearance from GREF. The operational window is fixed between 0900 hours and 1700 hours from Chandimarh (Baffliaz) toward Shopian, and between 0700 hours and 1800 hours from Herpora (Shopian) toward Poonch.

Traffic Helpline Numbers: Travelers are urged to verify current road conditions with Traffic Control Units before embarking on their journeys: Jammu (0191-2459048, 0191-2740550, 9419147732, 103); Srinagar (0194-2450022, 2485396, 18001807091, 103); Ramban (9419993745, 1800-180-7043); Udhampur (8491928625); PCR Kishtwar (9906154100); and PCR Kargil (9541902330, 9541902331).