The Srinagar–Jammu national highway stayed open to regulated two-way traffic on Saturday, October 24, but vehicles crawled at several points between Udhampur and Banihal, a Ramban-datelined report said. For anyone travelling home, back to college or up to the Valley this week, the useful part is knowing where it slows.
Where the delays were
- Dewal (Udhampur sector): a rain-damaged stretch squeezed traffic into a single lane.
- Marog to Kishtwari Pather (Ramban): narrow sections where vehicles had to move carefully.
- Nashri to Banihal: breakdowns caused delays.
- Banihal to Nachlana: nomadic herds of livestock moving towards the Jammu plains.
- Throughout: an uneven surface plus repair and widening work by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
Tanker rules
Kashmir-bound oil and gas tankers face restrictions because of widening work on the Digdol–Khooni Nalla stretch. They are barred in daytime, from 7 am to 7 pm. Tankers carrying inflammable material may not pass through tunnels, and up-bound tankers may go beyond Chenani only between 5 pm and 5 am.
What drivers were asked to do
Commuters were asked to keep lane discipline, avoid unnecessary overtaking and never drive on the wrong side. Drivers were told to take extra care on landslide- and falling-stone-prone sections, especially Ramban to Banihal, and to avoid unnecessary halts. Heavy-vehicle operators were asked not to overload, to make sure vehicles are mechanically fit and to carry enough fuel.
What is planned next
For Sunday, October 25, passenger light motor vehicles, private cars and goods carriers were proposed to run in both directions. The report makes this conditional on favourable weather and satisfactory road conditions, so it was not confirmed. The report does not say how long the road was disrupted earlier or why.
Plan on extra time, leave early for the Banihal side, and check the J&K Traffic Police advisory on the morning you travel. For an earlier look at slow patches on the same road, see our Patnitop NH-44 guide.
Source: Greater Kashmir, October 25, 2026.
