Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Samoon Wednesday reviewed traffic arrangements on Srinagar-Leh National highway in a meeting convened to discuss the present status of Srinagar-Leh National highway.During the meeting various issues were discussed threadbare to tackle any exigency in the wake of ensuing winter and snowfall. He asked concerned to remain in ready state to deal with such exigencies.The Divisional Commissioner directed Deputy Commissioner’s and ARTOs of Ganderbal and Kargil Districts to keep two heavy recovery vans each one on both sides of the road round the clock at the disposal of Traffic Police in order to remove any stranded vehicle on the road.During the meeting it was decided to allow 50 Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMV) from each side and traffic shall go one way. It was informed that the vehicles from Sonamarg will go to Kargil on November 18th and adhere to the schedule accordingly. The cut off time to allow the vehicles on both sides has been decided at12 noon daily. It was further told that the number of Light Motor Vehicles will be allowed after mutual understanding by Traffic Department on both sides of the road keeping in view road condition.
Divisional Commissioner further instructed setting up a joint control room at Police Station Sonamarg and Police Station Gumri with representatives of Traffic Police, BEACON, and RTO, besides representatives of DC Ganderbal, DC Kargil and army.Dr. Samoon further directed the Border Roads Organization to maintain road clearance equipments at Captain Mode and other vulnerable locations along with manpower round the clock and asked them to ensure that road clearance parties are deployed by 7am. The meeting was attended by DC Ganderbal, SSP PCR, SP Rural Traffic, SP Ganderbal, ARTO Ganderbal and Executive Engineer SDA, while Transport Commissioner J&K, DC Kargil, SP Kargil, ARTO Kargil, ADC Leh attended the meeting through video conferencing.