Qazigund: In anticipation of moderate to heavy snowfall expected between January 4 and January 6, 2025, a crucial meeting was convened today in Qazigund to discuss traffic management along National Highway-44 (NH-44). The meeting, chaired by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Traffic Rural Kashmir, R.P. Singh, aimed to address potential challenges to traffic flow, particularly on the Qazigund sector from Qazigund to Nayough Tunnel, amid the forecasted adverse weather conditions.
The meeting saw the participation of key stakeholders, including DySP Traffic Qazigund, DTI Qazigund, officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Nowyug Tunnel, Qazigund authorities, and representatives from the Ramky construction company. The group discussed in detail the measures needed to ensure smooth vehicular movement despite heavy snowfall and icy conditions.
During the session, the participants outlined an extensive action plan to mitigate the risks of heavy snowfall and prevent traffic disruptions. Several directives were issued to maintain road safety and facilitate the uninterrupted flow of vehicles during the expected adverse weather conditions.
Key Directives from the Meeting:
1. Timely Snow Clearance: Sufficient manpower and machinery will be deployed to clear snow from NH-44 effectively, ensuring that traffic remains unimpeded.
2. Focus on Slippery Spots: Special attention will be given to high-risk areas, such as Chumullah, Levdoora Flyover, and Vessu. Dedicated machinery will be stationed at these locations to address the hazards posed by ice and snow.
3. Salt and Urea Sprinkling: Teams will be assigned to sprinkle salt and urea on the highway’s slippery sections, minimizing the chances of accidents and improving traction for vehicles.
4. Blocking Unnecessary Cuts: Cemented barricades will be installed along the highway to prevent unauthorized road cuts, ensuring smoother traffic flow and preventing bottlenecks.
5. Increased Traffic Regulation Personnel: Additional traffic officials will be deployed throughout the highway to manage vehicle movement and promptly address any issues that may arise.
6. Proactive Decision-Making: All involved stakeholders have been instructed to remain vigilant and make timely decisions to ensure smooth operations and preparedness for any unexpected situations.
7. Tunnel Safety Measures: To prevent vehicles from getting stranded, vehicles will be prohibited from entering the Nowyug Tunnel in the event of blockages caused by snow accumulation, ensuring that no traffic is caught in hazardous conditions.
SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir, R.P. Singh, emphasized the importance of coordination and effective communication among all departments during this period. He urged all parties to remain proactive in their approach, ensuring public safety and aiding commuters throughout the challenging weather conditions.
A detailed preparedness plan, developed through collaboration between various stakeholders, is set to be implemented to manage traffic effectively and minimize risks during the upcoming snowfall on NH-44.