Traffic on NH-44 to remain suspended on July 31 for restoration work

SRINAGAR (KIMS) — The District Administration Udhampur has ordered a complete suspension of traffic on the Udhampur-Chenani section of National Highway-44 (NH-44) on July 31 to facilitate slope stabilisation and restoration works near Ladha, Samroli.

According to an order issued by the Office of the District Magistrate Udhampur, the decision was taken on the request of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), PIU Ramban, due to repeated landslides, mudslides and continuous falling of loose debris from a vulnerable hill slope near Ladha, posing a threat to the safe movement of traffic.

The order said the highway will remain completely closed on July 31 to enable NHAI to undertake intensive debris removal, slope stabilisation and restoration works using heavy machinery, which cannot be carried out safely under live traffic conditions.

It added that the police and other concerned authorities have been directed to ensure proper traffic regulation and diversion arrangements during the closure. NHAI has also been asked to deploy adequate manpower and machinery, install necessary safety measures and keep emergency response teams on standby.

The District Information Office, Udhampur, has been directed to give wide publicity to the traffic advisory through print, electronic and social media to help commuters plan their journeys accordingly. — (KIMS)