The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — The J&K Traffic Police on Saturday said the traffic movement will remain suspended on the NH-44 tonight in light of the repair works to be carried out on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

As per the news agency CNS, the J&K Traffic Police in a post on X said, “As intimated by NHAI that urgent repair/maintenance has to be carried out on NH44 between Nashri and Banihal during today's intervening night of 15/16 of June 2024, all types of vehicular movement will remain suspended tonight.”

It said that no movement of any kind of vehicle including fresh perishable/livestock will be allowed on NH-44 today on 15-06-2024 (Saturday) after 6 pm from Qazigund towards Ramban.

Similarly, no vehicular movement shall be allowed from Nagrota (Jammu) after 5 pm and from Udhampur at 6 pm, the J&K Traffic Police said.

“Commuters are advised to avoid journeys on NH-44 till the work is completed. Please ask TCU for the latest update at (9419993745, 1800-180-7043),” it added.

Earlier, the repair works were undertaken between Nashri and Banihal of NH-44 during the intervening night of the 6th and 7th of this month.

SRINAGAR — The Regional Transport Officer (RTO) of Kashmir on Saturday asked the general public to update their mobile phone numbers associated with vehicle registration within a week's time.

In this regard, a public notice was issued by the RTO Kashmir, directing the vehicle owners to comply with the directions for effective communication.

RTO Kashmir in a notice, according to the news agency Kashmir Scroll, said that Srinagar city is set to launch an Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) to enhance traffic flow management and monitoring.

“The ITMS will feature Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), Red Light Violation Detection (RLVD), Speed Violation Detection, and automatic identification of various other traffic and transport offences,” it reads.

The communique further states that in order to ensure effective communication and avoid any inconvenience to the public, all vehicle owners must update the mobile phone numbers linked to their Aadhaar with their respective vehicle registrations.

“This update is essential for receiving important notifications and updates related to the ITMS,” RTO Kashmir said.

According to the public notice, “The general public is hereby advised to update their mobile phone numbers associated with vehicle registration within a week's time.”

Moving to another city on your own is difficult: you may not have the knowledge of the necessary moving licenses, transporter or the time to pack all your belongings. By hiring movers, you can solve some of these problems.

However, you should always choose a reliable and reputable moving company Calgary to ensure everything goes smoothly and stress-free. If you are looking for tips on choosing a moving company, we suggest you read on:

• Start with spending time researching several moving companies in your area and then compare their services, prices, and customer reviews. Always check the credentials of the moving company, including their license, insurance coverage, and any professional affiliations. Make sure they are licensed and insured to work in your province. By hiring an unlicensed or uninsured mover, you are putting your property at risk, which can lead to complications or disputes down the road.
• Get quotes from at least three different moving companies to compare costs and services. If possible, request an in-home estimate, as it is usually more accurate than an estimate over the phone or online. Ask about any additional fees or charges that may apply to your specific moving needs.
• Feel free to ask questions and clarify any concerns you may have. Before hiring a moving company, ask about their experience, packing procedures, equipment, transportation methods, and the guarantees or warranties they offer. Clear communication will help you make an informed decision and ensure your needs are met.

When hiring movers, it's important to be vigilant and not miss red flags that could indicate potential problems or doubts about the company's performance. Some common red flags to look out for include unclear or evasive answers to your questions, inconsistent or unprofessional communication, and pressure tactics to gain your favour without properly addressing your concerns.

Other troubling signs could be negative feedback or complaints from past clients, as well as an unwillingness to provide references or proof of successful moves. Trust your instincts and proceed with caution if you encounter any red flags during the hiring process.

SRINAGAR — After incessant rainfall battered Kashmir and rendered major roads impassable, the Jammu and Srinagar National Highway continues to remain blocked on Tuesday following landslides and shooting stones at multiple spots along the thoroughfare.

As per the news agency CNS, the J&K Traffic Police said that the works, to resume the traffic movement on NH-44, have been going with men and machinery stepping up the pace.

“Restoration work is in progress on NH-44. Commuters are advised to avoid journey till the road is fully restored,” the J&K Traffic Police said in a post on X.

It is pertinent to mention that the restoration works to reopen the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway were taken immediately after landslides occurred on the NH-44 but the works were hindered by the incessant rains and shooting stones.

With the let-up in rainfall, traffic officials are expecting the NH-44 to be restored for traffic after expediting the road clearance works.

While filing this report, the restoration works were going on at Dalwas, Mehad and Magerkote areas on the NH-44.

SRINAGAR — Authorities have announced a temporary suspension of Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on April 1 and 2 to facilitate repair work on the airstrip at Bijbehara Anantnag.

An official from the Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Department revealed that no heavy motor vehicles, particularly load carriers, will be permitted to traverse between Srinagar and Jammu along NH-44 near Bijbehara Anantnag during the specified period.

"The movement of heavy motor vehicles will be suspended on April 1, 2024, from 0400 hrs to 0700 hrs and on April 2, 2024," the official stated, advising truckers to adjust their travel plans accordingly to ensure smooth progress of repair operations.

"In light of urgent repairs/upgradation of the Airstrip stretch along NH-44 near Bijbehara, Anantnag, no HMVs (Load carrier) shall be allowed from Srinagar towards Jammu and vice-versa on Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) on April 1, 2024 (Monday) from 0400 hrs to 0700 hrs (Tuesday) on April 2, 2024," the official announcement reiterated, cautioning truckers to avoid travel on the mentioned dates and times.

In a separate development, authorities have partially restored vehicular movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, while urging drivers to exercise caution due to the risk of shooting stones between Ramban and Banihal.

"Traffic update NH-44 at 1030 hrs: Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) partially restored, stranded vehicles between Nashree and Banihal are being cleared. Commuters are advised to follow lane discipline, drive cautiously as apprehension of shooting stones between Ramban and Banihal," officials advised.

BANDIPORA — The district administration of Bandipora on Friday ordered the closure of Bandipora-Gurez road due to the occurrence of fresh snowfall in the Razdhan Top of Gurez area.

An official order issued by the district administration of Bandipora stated, "In view of the prediction for rain/snow on 29-03-2024 and as a precautionary measure, movement on Gurez-Bandipora road shall remain suspended on 29-03-2024 until further orders."

Concerning the closure, passengers and drivers intending to traverse the affected route are advised to confirm the status of the road and traffic conditions beforehand. The contact numbers provided for inquiries are 7006526985, 7006328689, and 9596767430.

JAMMU — Since the transporters’ association had given a call for a one-day strike, the capital city came to a complete standstill as no commercial vehicle was plying on the road anywhere. People faced lots of hardships due to this move as many were seen walking towards their destinations.

According to the news agency KNO, the strike call was given by the association against plying of e-buses in already busy routes in the city where private commercial vehicle owners were facing tough competition and were of the opinion that this is an attack on their livelihood.

President of the transporters’ association Vijay Chib said that earlier when e-rickshaws were allowed to move in the city, it had affected auto-rickshaw owners and they weren’t able to compete with the e-rickshaws.

“Similarly, the government under the smart city project brought e-busses and we had suggested routes where not many commercial vehicles plied. But these busses were allowed to move everywhere which threatened the livelihood of the mini-busses and matadors and we were forced to give call for the strike,” Chib said.

Since morning, commercial vehicles remained absent from Jammu roads and people faced hardships. Jammu city’s internal surface communication has traditionally been dependent on the matadors and mini-busses but they moved on specific routes.

Hundreds of such vehicles have been maintaining the surface communication and people got the relief when e-busses were started by the government. They started getting easy access and seats in these vehicles and the fare was also low as compared to the existing mini-busses and matadors.

As on one side, people were getting relief, private transporters were facing a tough time which forced the association to halt operations for a day. The administration also swung into action due to the strike and held a meeting with the transporters’ association to address the issue.

“We held two meetings where government officials including the Divisional Commissioner Jammu halted the operation of e-busses for the time being on our request. We will be meeting with the officials again in a couple of days to sort out the differences and decide routes for e-busses so that we don’t suffer,” Chib added.

PULWAMA — The frequent traffic jams in southern Kashmir's Pulwama town continue to irk commuters as the town reports huge traffic jams for a long time, especially during evening hours.

People blamed lack of parking space, mismanagement of traffic, lack of footpaths and non-compliance of traffic rules by motorists.

Locals told the news agency KNO that most people illegally park their vehicles on roadsides without caring about others which leads to frequent jams.

Showkat Ahmad, a local resident, said traffic jams are mainly witnessed from Rajpora Chowk to Newa Sumo Stand. "The district hospital is also located on the same route; thereby the frequent gridlocks cause immense hardship to the patients and attendants to reach their destinations," he said.

Nisar Ahmad, another local, said that people are facing hardships due to the traffic mess in Pulwama town. He said that despite some efforts from the traffic department, there has hardly been any difference on the ground.

A group of employees said the persistent traffic jams have put their jobs at stake as they fail to reach their respective offices in time. They said that the authorities have not carried out the widening of roads and it becomes a challenge for vehicles to navigate through narrow roads.

They sought the intervention of DC Pulwama in this regard. Meanwhile, an official said that the action against the erring drivers is being taken regularly.

RAMBAN — Vehicular movement along the crucial Srinagar-Jammu National Highway is set to face a temporary suspension for 14 hours over the weekend, affecting travel between Nashri and Banihal in Ramban district.

According to an order, the halt in traffic flow is scheduled from 10 pm on March 9, 2024, until noon on March 10, 2024. The suspension aims to facilitate widening works for a two-lane carriageway at Dhalwas, with additional widening efforts at other locations along the highway from Nashri to Banihal.

The decision comes following a requisition received from the Project Director of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Project Implementation Unit (PIU) in Ramban, highlighting the necessity to ensure the safety and well-being of travellers and drivers.

"Senior Superintendent of Police, Ramban, and Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic, National Highways, Ramban, are directed to enforce the orders meticulously," the order stated.

SRINAGAR — As Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Srinagar tomorrow, the Inspector General (IG) of Traffic, Bhim Sen Tuti stated that the roads leading to the venue will remain closed for public transport.

Addressing media persons, IG Traffic, as per the news agency KNO, said that starting from 4:00 am until 7:00 pm on March 7, the traffic movement from Jehangir Chowk to Rambagh and Rajbagh to LD Hospital-Tulsi Bagh route will be restricted.

“Motorists travelling between Jehangir Chowk and Rambagh are advised to use alternative routes through interior roads, specifically the Rambagh-Hyderpora-Moominabad-Batmaloo road instead of the Solina-Magarmal Bagh axis,” said the IGP Traffic.

Also, traffic assistance points will be stationed at strategic locations to facilitate smooth movement along these routes, he added.

Similarly, motorists travelling from Radio Kashmir-Rajbagh and adjacent areas towards Solina-Rambagh are advised to take the MA/RR Road-Jehangir Chowk Batmaloo-Moominabad-Hyderpora route instead of the Rajbagh-Jawahar Nagar-LD Hospital-Tulsi Bagh Road axis.

Additionally, the movement of vehicles from Panthachowk towards Sonwar and vice versa will be discouraged during this period. “Students appearing for examinations are urged to carry valid ID cards and roll number slips and to reach their examination centres before 8:30 am and leave after 3:00 pm to avoid any inconvenience, with special arrangements made for them at traffic assistance points,” mentioned the IGP Traffic.

Furthermore, motorists are advised to avoid travelling on Gupkar road and instead use the Dalgate-Nehru Park road to reach their destinations. Citizens are reminded to park their vehicles only at designated parking places to prevent congestion, as wrongly parked vehicles will be towed.

Moreover, in case of emergencies or assistance, citizens can contact the Traffic Police on the special service number (103), added the IGP Traffic. “The restrictions and advisories are implemented to ensure the safety and smooth functioning of traffic during the Prime Minister's visit to Srinagar,” he added.

SRINAGAR — Persistent rainfall has led to multiple landslides along the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, causing a complete blockade, officials confirmed on Saturday.

The landslides, occurring between the Banihal and Ramban sectors, have severely disrupted traffic flow along the vital transportation artery.

Compounding the situation, heavy rainfall persists along the entire length of the highway, heightening the dangers of travel in the region.

In response to the crisis, authorities have issued advisories advising the public to refrain from using NH-44 until weather conditions improve and the road is cleared of debris, emphasizing safety as a top priority amidst the ongoing inclement weather.

SRINAGAR — Srinagar-Kargil road is still blocked due to snow accumulation. After the recent snowfall, there is a lot of snow accumulation on the road, especially on Zojila Pass.

About Kargil-Zanskar road, District Police Kargil has said that subject to fair weather and good road conditions/road clearance, only one-way traffic for all types of vehicles with anti-skid chains shall be allowed from Zanskar towards Kargil.

Police in its advisory have said that due to frost conditions and apprehensions of avalanches, especially in the afternoon, all passengers are advised to travel in the morning. Moreover, no vehicle shall be allowed to pass the Penzila axis without anti-skid chains.

JAMMU — The Indian Air Force (IAF) executed a vital airlift operation on Monday, rescuing a total of 260 stranded passengers across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. The initiative, known as the "Kargil Courier," has emerged as a crucial lifeline for travellers in the region, having already facilitated the rescue of 1,551 individuals since its launch on January 22.

According to an official quoted by a local news agency, the Kargil Courier service, operated by the AN-32 aircraft, has become indispensable, particularly following the closure of the Srinagar-Leh National Highway due to heavy snowfall.

The service operates three days a week between Jammu and Srinagar, and twice a week between Srinagar and Kargil, ensuring connectivity despite challenging weather conditions.

Highlighting the latest developments, the official reported that on Monday, a total of 113 passengers were airlifted from Srinagar to Kargil, while an additional 93 were rescued from Jammu to Kargil. Additionally, 38 passengers were transported from Kargil to Srinagar, and 16 from Kargil to Jammu in separate aircraft.

SRINAGAR — After enduring a four-day closure prompted by a series of landslides triggered by heavy rains and snowfall, the Srinagar-Jammu national highway was finally reopened for traffic on Friday.

Efforts by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) National Highway Ramban, and the diligent work of traffic police have been instrumental in restoring the crucial roadway.

A spokesperson from the traffic department told the news agency KNS that the traffic movement resumed along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, although slow-paced in the Ramsoo sector due to single-lane conditions and poor road surfaces.

Authorities, in collaboration with traffic police, spared no effort in the mission to reopen the national highway.

Early Friday morning, Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) were permitted from both directions, with heavy vehicles regulated to ensure a smooth flow of traffic. Significant damage to the road, resulting in single-lane stretches, was observed at Dalwas, Cafeteria-Mehad, and Gangroo between Nashri and Banihal tunnels.

The decision to reopen the highway came after the successful clearance of all stranded vehicles late Thursday.

The closure, which commenced on Monday, was necessitated by a series of landslides, mudslides, and rockfalls from the surrounding hills, obstructing the road at multiple points.

Wednesday saw improving weather conditions, enabling the mobilization of additional manpower and machinery by concerned agencies. This facilitated the partial reopening of the road for stranded vehicles. However, a substantial landslide at Kishtwari Pather required further clearance efforts before the highway was fully accessible to traffic on Thursday afternoon.

Earlier, the Jammu National Highway (NH-44) was partially restored for stranded traffic after NHAI prepared a single road stretch at various locations between Nashri and Banihal in Ramban district on Thursday afternoon.

Despite intermittent closures due to fresh landslides, efforts to clear the route continued, with around one dozen machines deployed at critical points. Senior Superintendent of Traffic Police National Highway Ramban, Rohit Baskotra, personally supervised the restoration operations, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

The extensive damages suffered by National Highway 44, passing through the Ramban district, were attributed to heavy rains, leading to landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones between Nashri and Banihal on Monday and Tuesday.

The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway serves as the vital lifeline of the Kashmir valley, representing the primary road link connecting Kashmir with the rest of the nation. This crucial artery facilitates the transportation of essential supplies and commodities, playing a pivotal role in sustaining the region's economy and ensuring the well-being of its inhabitants.

The highway serves as the primary conduit for Kashmir-bound trucks laden with vital provisions and goods, ensuring the continuous flow of essential supplies into the valley. Moreover, it also acts as the primary route for fruit-carrying trucks originating from Kashmir, destined for various parts of the country.

The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway not only serves as a vital transportation route but also represents a lifeline for the Kashmir valley, connecting it with the broader national network and enabling the seamless exchange of goods and commerce essential for its sustenance and growth.

SRINAGAR — After facing a complete blockage due to landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones, the vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NHW-44) has been partially restored to single-way traffic, authorities confirmed.

An official quoted by a local news agency revealed that intensive efforts are underway to clear the affected stretch between Nashri and Banihal, focusing primarily on stranded vehicles.

Commuters are urged to exercise caution and adhere to lane discipline, especially in the critical area between Ramban and Banihal, where the risk of shooting stones persists.

Amid ongoing clearing operations, the J&K Traffic Police provided a update via their official X handle, indicating the partial restoration of the Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) to single-way traffic at 1615 hours.

Efforts are concentrated on clearing stranded vehicles between Nashri and Banihal, with commuters advised to drive cautiously due to potential hazards, including shooting stones, along the route.

SRINAGAR — Observing a decrease in passenger traffic on routes from Srinagar to Delhi and Srinagar to Jammu, the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) has decided to reduce the current passenger fares by 20 per cent.

As per an official order, JKRTC will now provide a 20% discount on existing fares for passengers travelling on Srinagar-Delhi and Srinagar-Jammu routes.

"In light of reduced passenger traffic from Srinagar towards Delhi & Jammu sectors during the off-peak season and to stimulate more activity on National Highway-44, approval is hereby granted to offer promotional discounts @ 20% on the current fares of JKRTC to passengers/commuters," reads the order.

Officials said that providing promotional discounts is an effort to encourage passenger traffic during the off-peak season and enhance activity on National Highway-44.

According to the order, passengers travelling from Srinagar to Delhi via Volvo buses will now pay a reduced fare of Rs 2,157, down from the previous Rs 2,697. Similarly, travellers heading to Jammu on deluxe buses will enjoy a reduced fare of Rs 440, reduced from Rs 550, while the fare for SML bus type has been lowered to Rs 663 from Rs 829.

As per official data available, over the last three months, a total of 646 trips have been recorded from Srinagar to Jammu, comprising 443 trips in AC-type vehicles and 203 in non-AC-type vehicles. Similarly, for the Srinagar to Delhi route, the last three months have seen 51 trips via Volvo buses.

A senior official said the move is part of JKRTC's strategy to address the decline in passenger traffic towards Delhi and Jammu sectors during the off-peak season, while simultaneously boosting activity along National Highway-44.

The discounted fares will remain valid until March 15, 2024, the JKRTC order added.

SRINAGAR — The Jammu-Srinagar national highway, spanning 270 km, has been partially reopened for one-way traffic after being shut for two days due to landslides in Ramban district.

The closure stemmed from landslides and stone shootings at numerous points along the highway, disrupting the vital link between Kashmir and the rest of the country. Clearing operations at various landslide-affected spots were impeded by continuous rainfall and snowfall.

However, with improved weather conditions, road clearance efforts intensified, leading to the partial reopening of the highway for one-way traffic in the afternoon.

This development has facilitated the removal of stranded vehicles between Nashi and Banihal. Ongoing efforts aim to fully restore traffic flow in both directions by tonight, with a reassessment scheduled for tomorrow morning to determine the road's condition for allowing fresh traffic from both sides.

SRINAGAR — The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway was closed for traffic on Monday due to mudslides triggered by heavy rains in Ramban district, officials said here.

People have been asked to avoid travel on the highway till the weather improves.

"The traffic on Srinagar-Jammu highway has been closed for traffic due to mudslides at Mehad-Cafteria in Ramban and Tabela Chamalwass in Banihal area," an official of the traffic department said.

Authorities have stopped traffic at various places along the highway to avoid people getting stranded in vulnerable areas of the arterial road.

SRINAGAR — The Northern Railways is inching closer to connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the railway network in India, as it will start train services on the total 184-km-long Baramulla to Sangaldan sections of the USBRL project from February 20, railway sources said on Saturday.

A top railway official informed the news agency KNO that they are going to introduce a new MEMU and DMU train between the Baramulla and Sangaldan sections of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project (USBRL), starting on February 20.

He said the work on Sangaldan to Katra in Reasi district is also nearing completion. “Though there is no exact deadline, the project is in the final stage. Ninety-six per cent of the project has been completed, and work is in full swing on the remaining 4%,” the official said.

He added despite facing numerous challenges, Northern Railways has been working diligently to complete the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to virtually inaugurate the newly completed 48-kilometer railway line between Banihal to Sangaldan and Chenab Rail Bridge on February 20.

SRINAGAR — The crucial Srinagar-Leh National Highway, vital for connecting Kashmir Valley to Ladakh, has reopened following its closure due to heavy snowfall on January 28.

According to officials, 10 vehicles from Kargil-Sonamarg and 27 from Srinagar-Kargil routes successfully crossed the Zojila axis, transporting 160 passengers.

Additionally, Kargil's district administration dispatched 10 vehicles to Srinagar to ferry passengers, including students.

Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) expressed gratitude to the Union Territory Administration, Ladakh Police, Project Vijayak, Beacon officers, and District Administration for their collaborative efforts.

The CEC commended the dedication of Border Roads Organization (BRO) workers for their tireless efforts in harsh conditions to reopen this vital passageway.