NH-44 Traffic Woes: Divisional Commissioner Reviews Construction Progress, Calls for Immediate Action
Officials Push for Faster Highway Repairs, Traffic Management to Ease Congestion in Ramban
||Black and White Digital News ||
||March 19,2025 ||
Jammu : In a high-level review meeting, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, assessed the status of road construction and traffic movement on the under-construction sections of National Highway-44 (NH-44) in Ramban. The meeting, attended by senior officials from the traffic department, district administration, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), focused on critical issues affecting traffic flow and the challenges posed by ongoing construction in the difficult terrain.
The meeting was attended by DIG Traffic, Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Project Director NHAI Ramban, SSP Ramban, and SSP NHW Ramban. A threadbare discussion was held to identify problem areas and streamline efforts to improve traffic conditions on this vital stretch connecting Jammu with Kashmir.
Key Directives and Action Points from the Review Meeting:
1. Urgent Road Repairs and Pothole Management:
• The Divisional Commissioner instructed the NHAI to prioritize pothole repairs, particularly on rain-damaged stretches, to prevent further deterioration.
• Special focus was given to the Mehar stretch, where road conditions have worsened, leading to frequent vehicle breakdowns and traffic jams.
2. Expedited Construction Work and Workforce Enhancement:
• The NHAI was directed to increase workforce and machinery deployment to speed up road-widening and repair works.
• The Nashri-Dalwas stretch was identified as a priority zone, with the Project Director NHAI assuring that a smooth riding surface will be achieved by the first week of April.
3. Ensuring Double Lane Traffic Flow:
• The administration stressed the need to keep traffic moving on both lanes wherever possible, as long as safety is not compromised.
• Officials were directed to devise traffic management strategies to prevent unnecessary stoppages due to construction work.
4. Quick Response Mechanism for Congestion and Traffic Blockades:
• The Divisional Commissioner ordered traffic authorities and NHAI teams to remain on high alert, ensuring real-time identification and clearance of congestion points.
• Special teams were directed to be stationed at critical locations to manage landslides, vehicle breakdowns, and unexpected blockages.
Challenges in the Ramban Stretch: A Persistent Problem for Commuters
The Ramban section of NH-44 has long been a choke point for travelers and transporters, with frequent landslides, extreme weather conditions, and slow-moving construction leading to massive delays.
• Landslide-Prone Terrain: Heavy rainfall often triggers landslides, blocking sections of the highway for hours or even days.
• Heavy Traffic Load: As the only all-weather road connecting Jammu and Kashmir, NH-44 sees high volumes of passenger and freight movement, making any disruption severely impactful.
• Ongoing Four-Laning Project: While aimed at long-term improvement, the construction work has led to narrower passages, uneven road surfaces, and temporary diversions, further aggravating congestion.
With the Amarnath Yatra and tourist season approaching, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted travel on NH-44 is crucial for both locals and visitors. The administration’s renewed focus on road maintenance, traffic management, and rapid construction progress will be key in mitigating long-standing issues.
Looking Ahead: Will These Measures Bring Relief?
The directives issued in the review meeting indicate a proactive approach by the administration, but the success of these measures will depend on timely execution by NHAI and the traffic management teams. While the commitment to complete the Nashri-Dalwas stretch by April is a positive sign, other vulnerable sections will require sustained attention.
Travelers and transporters will be keenly watching for improvements, as any further delays or mismanagement could worsen the situation. The administration will need to ensure regular monitoring and prompt interventions to make tangible progress in addressing NH-44’s traffic woes.
