Chief Secretary Orders NHAI to Ensure Two-Way Traffic on Kashmir Highway by June 10

In anticipation of the upcoming Shri Amarnathji pilgrimage and the fruit season in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo has set a firm deadline of June 10 for ensuring smooth two-way traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. This directive aims to address the current traffic bottlenecks and improve the road conditions for the thousands of travellers expected in the coming months.

During a high-level meeting, Chief Secretary Dulloo emphasized the urgent need to streamline the riding surface of the highway to facilitate efficient traffic movement. The meeting was attended by key officials, including the Principal Secretary of the Agriculture Production Department, Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu, IG Traffic, Secretary Transport, Secretary of PWD, and the Regional Officer of NHAI. Deputy Commissioners from Ramban, Udhampur, Kathua, and Samba participated virtually.

The Chief Secretary expressed concern over the time currently taken by Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) to traverse the highway between the two capital cities. He sought detailed reports on the road conditions and specific problem areas causing traffic delays.

Dulloo highlighted nearly two dozen problematic spots along the highway where commuters face significant delays. He directed the NHAI Regional Officer, Jammu, to take immediate measures to enhance the road surface and ensure two-way traffic flow by June 10. The instructions included widening the carriageway and blacktopping rough stretches to prevent traffic snarls.

The Chief Secretary stressed the importance of identifying and improving all troublesome spots along the highway to avoid disruptions during the yatra and fruit season. Thousands of fruit-laden trucks are expected to use the highway daily, making it crucial to maintain smooth traffic flow.

Dulloo specifically addressed the deteriorating road conditions at several critical points, including Dalwas, Old Passi, Mehard, Marog (Ramban), Pratap Nallah (Digdol), Khooni Nallah, Panthyal, Magarkote, Higni, Lower Nachlana, and Kishtwari Pather. He requested feedback from Traffic, Deputy Commissioners, and NHAI on measures to mitigate these issues and set deadlines for their resolution.

Additionally, Dulloo instructed the relevant authorities to improve and blacktop the Kathua-Katra stretch of the highway by June 20. He tasked the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, with personally monitoring this work and providing daily progress reports. \ The Chief Secretary also reviewed the construction progress of grade separators at Bemina, Sanat Nagar, and Nowgam crossings in Srinagar. He assessed the work on the overhead railway crossing bridge near Bijbehara and urged expedited completion of these projects.

IG Traffic Bhim Sen Tuti provided a detailed presentation on the traffic halts and their durations, highlighting the causes of recent disruptions. Incessant rains on April 29 and 30 had eroded a critical loop of the old road at Magerkote, impacting one-way traffic. Ongoing construction of flyovers, viaducts, and tunnels at several locations was also identified as a challenge to smooth traffic flow.

The meeting noted that the Traffic Department, in collaboration with the Ramban district administration, has identified 19 spots requiring corrective measures. Plans include road widening, compacting, and blacktopping these stretches, to be completed within the next few weeks.

NHAI assured the Chief Secretary that the road condition would be significantly improved before the onset of the fruit and vegetable season and the commencement of the Shri Amarnathji Yatra. These improvements aim to ensure convenience and safety for all travellers between Srinagar and Jammu.

This directive comes as part of the government's broader efforts to enhance infrastructure and streamline transportation in the region, ensuring that both residents and visitors experience minimal disruptions during peak travel seasons. The prompt action and coordinated efforts by various departments underscore the administration's commitment to addressing the highway's traffic challenges effectively.