Jammu-Srinagar NH 44 to remain shut on all Fridays till November 30 for maintenance work

Jammu, Oct 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police has said that the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway 44 will remain closed for today and for all coming Fridays until November 30 for maintenance work.

"No vehicular movement shall be allowed on National Highway-44 every Friday starting from October 16 to November 30," stated the plan and advisory issued by Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police.

"Routine advisories with regard to Traffic movement other than Fridays shall be issued on daily basis," it added. The traffic department has issued a general advisory to not undertake a journey on the highway on these days.

Taking note of accidents at the newly-inaugurated Atal Tunnel early this month, Kullu District Magistrate Richa Verma issued traffic regulations with respect to the world's longest motorable tunnel in Himachal Pradesh connecting Manali to Leh.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the tunnel. The restrictions came as three accidents were reported on October 4 due to 'reckless driving', a day after the inauguration.

"Whereas the Atal Tunnel, Rohtang becomes one of the major attraction for tourists and local people since its inauguration on October 3, 2020, and a large number of public gathering and some incidents of nuisance viz. over speeding, unnecessary stoppage, outrageous driving etc. was brought in the notice of undersigned which needs immediate action for public safety," the order stated.

Meanwhile, Delhi is set to get smart traffic signals soon under the purview of a new project. The Delhi Police will replace the antiquated traffic signals across the city with automated ones in phases. The project has received the nod from SN Shrivastava, the city's police commissioner.