Jammu, June 24: As the Jammu and Kashmir traffic department had announced dry traffic day on June 23 between Nashri tunnel to Navyug tunnel, Chenani-Nashri tunnel authorities didn’t allow any traffic movement for Doda and Kishtwar bound vehicles.
This created a lot of confusion among the commuters who had to travel through old national highway via Patnitop thus leading to huge traffic jams.
People had to spend hours together in traffic jam which irked people. Even the patients had to face a lot of problems and no vehicle was being allowed to move towards Chenani-Nashri tunnel and was forced to take the long and tough route via Patnitop.
“My grandfather had died in Doda and I was travelling from Jammu towards the home but couldn’t make it to the funeral as I got stuck in traffic jams for hours together. I couldn’t have the last look of my grandpa which will I regret throughout my life,” said Inam, a resident of Doda.
As per the advisory issued by the traffic department earlier it was said, “No Light Motor Vehicle or Heavy Motor Vehicle, except medical emergency vehicles, will be allowed to ply on NH-44 between Nashri Tunnel-Navyuga Tunnel and Vice-Versa from 06 a.m. on June 23, 2023 till 06 AM June 24, 2023.”
There was no mention of closure of either of the tunnels, Chenani-Nashri and Navyuga tunnels but no traffic movement was allowed in Chenani-Nashri tunnel whereas in Navyuga tunnel, Banihal bound traffic from Kashmir side allow to move.
The undeclared closure of the tunnel, which has become a lifeline not only for Kashmir bound vehicles, but also for people of twin districts of Doda and Kishtwar, and not allowing any traffic movement through this tunnel for people of Doda and Kishtwar districts left every one wondering.
When contacted SSP Traffic national highway Rohit Baskotra, he expressed ignorance about it and told to contact later. But he was not available for comments after that as he didn’t receive any call.
