Omar directs CS for ‘strict lane discipline’ to facilitate smooth clearance of stranded vehicles
Arteev Sharma
Jammu, September 16: Even as the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has claimed “remarkable achievement” in restoring traffic on the landslide and flood-ravaged Jammu-Srinagar highway, “poor traffic regulation and failure to enforce lane discipline” by local police continue to hamper smooth movement and clearance of stranded vehicles on the crucial road link.
According to official sources, the issue was flagged during an online review meeting chaired by Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and attended by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today.
The NHAI officials reportedly expressed concern over “poor lane discipline” and “inadequate management” by traffic and police personnel on damaged stretches, which often leads to massive traffic snarls.
“We have restored two-lane traffic at the worst-affected Tharad area in Udhampur district, where even heavy vehicles are being allowed. But poor management of the plying traffic is causing more trouble. A single attempt by a light vehicle to overtake, while another vehicle approaches from the opposite side, results in jams that stretch for four to five hours,” a senior NHAI official told The News Now while claiming that they reportedly conveyed it to the Union Minister and the Chief Minister.
The officer said that despite maximum damage on a 300-meter stretch in Tharad, where landslides and floods washed away the road on August 26, the NHAI managed to create a “temporary surface” within a week. “The surface remains undulating and becomes more difficult during the rains. We keep filling it with stones to keep traffic moving. The real problem is the lack of lane driving, which the local police must enforce,” the officer said.
“With traffic frequently disrupted, the journey between Jammu and Srinagar is now taking more than 10 hours”, the officer added, while pressing for strict compliance with lane discipline.
The senior NHAI officer said permanent restoration of the highway at Tharad would take several months, making it impossible to halt traffic for such a long duration. “We are therefore planning to strengthen the existing temporary surface and turn it into a permanent link by solidifying the stretch to ensure non-disruptive movement of vehicles,” the official added.
Sources said the Chief Minister directed the Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, to ensure regulation of traffic and enforcement of lane discipline on the highway. “Orders are being issued to traffic and local police by tonight. Another review will be held tomorrow, and we hope to clear all stranded trucks and vehicles within the next couple of days,” sources quoted officials as saying.
Pertinently, Jammu-Srinagar highway—lifeline to the Kashmir Valley—was severely damaged by landslides and flash floods at Tharad and other locations last month, leaving thousands of fruit-laden trucks, oil tankers, and essential supply vehicles stranded for days.
The blockade has triggered widespread concern in the Valley, with growers alleging huge losses to apple orchards. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while expressing displeasure over the delay in restoration of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, said that had the highway been under the control of the elected government, it would have been restored by now.
Meanwhile, Nitin Gadkari assured that the government was determined to restore the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway to full strength at the earliest.
“Despite relentless rains and a major hill slide, the NHAI teams are working tirelessly to keep this key highway operational. A 2-lane temporary diversion has been built, and traffic movement has resumed. Over a dozen excavators and 50+ earthmovers are deployed round the clock for clearing and repairs,” he wrote on ‘X’ while sharing the details of the meeting.
“We are determined to restore this vital national highway to full strength at the earliest, ensuring safety and convenience for all road users,” he wrote.
