Jammu, Jan 23 (KNO): IGP Traffic J&K, Mohd Suleman Choudhary, today convened a meeting to review the prevailing traffic situation in view of recent snowfall in Kashmir Valley, Banihal and Ramban areas of Jammu Division as well as for finalisation of traffic arrangements for the forthcoming Republic Day celebrations.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Mohd Haseeb Mughal, DIG Traffic Range Jammu; Ajaz Ahmed Bhat, SSP Traffic City Srinagar; S. Ravinder Paul Singh, SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir; Amit Bhasin, SSP Traffic City Jammu; Raja Adil Hamid, SSP Traffic NHW Raman; Farooq Qaiser, SSP Traffic Rural Jammu; Arvinder Singh Kotwal, SP Traffic City Jammu; Dr Sunniya Wani, Dy.SP Traffic City South Jammu and Ashwani Kumar, Dy.SP Traffic City North Jammu. Out stationed officers participated in meeting through Video Conferencing.
During the meeting, the IGP took a comprehensive review of traffic regulation measures on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway and other vulnerable stretches affected by snowfall and inclement weather.
The IGP laid stress on ensuring smooth regulation of traffic, timely dissemination of advisories and close coordination with all concerned agencies like Distt Administration, Police, BRO, NHAI etc.
In view of the prevailing weather conditions, SSP Traffic City Srinagar was directed to make announcements through the Public Address (PA) system advising that Jammu-bound vehicles shall not be allowed to proceed until further clearance. Further, SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir was directed not to allow Jammu-bound traffic from Qazigund until improvement in road and weather conditions, besides SSP NHW Ramban was directed to put in place multiple cut-off points at strategic locations along the NHW, in order to discourage movement of vehicles on NHW and prevent congestion and ensure safety of commuters.
IGP Traffic instructed that the breakdown assistance teams shall be kept readily available at identified locations, especially along National Highway stretches and other vulnerable road sections, to ensure immediate clearance of stranded, disabled or stuck vehicles. Officers were also instructed to ensure availability of sufficient manpower, snow-clearance coordination, reflective barricades, signage and traffic management equipment on ground.
The meeting also reviewed traffic arrangements for the Republic Day celebrations, with directions to ensure smooth vehicular movement, proper diversions, adequate deployment of traffic personnel and strict implementation of traffic plans at all designated locations.
The IGP Traffic emphasised on proactive planning, real-time monitoring and effective public awareness to ensure safety, convenience and orderly traffic management during the snowfall period and Republic Day celebrations—(KNO)