Srinagar, Jan 15: With weatherman forecasting moderate to heavy snowfall from Wednesday, authorities in Kashmir Valley today decided to suspend traffic on the arterial Srinagar-Jammu Highway on Thursday.
 The 294-km Srinagar-Jammu Highway will remain closed on January 17 as a precautionary measure in view of the snow forecast, officials said. However, the decision can be reviewed in case of fair weather and good road condition.
 In view of an approaching western disturbances, there is possibility of moderate to heavy snowfall over hilly areas especially Pir Panjal and light to moderate snowfall at many places in the Kashmir Division from Wednesday. The snowfall is likely to intensify on January 17 and 18.
 Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Asgar Hassan Samoon has directed all the deputy commissioners, concerned head of departments and DSPs to activate their manpower and machinery and to be in a state of preparedness, so as to minimise disruption of essential services, including roads, electric supply, water supply and healthcare services.
 The traffic on the highway has already been restricted to one-way over the past fortnight due to slippery condition on the road.
 Inspector General of Police, Traffic, said that on Wednesday vehicles would be allowed to travel from Kashmir side towards Jammu in a regulated manner.
 However, all vehicles are required to cross TCP Panthachowk by 1200 hours, Khanabal by 1330 hours and TCP Qazigund by 1430 hours beyond which no vehicle shall be allowed to proceed towards Lower Munda / J.T for onward journey.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 15 Jan 2013 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 15 Jan 2013 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 16 Jan 2013 00:00:00 IST