ADMINISTRATION REGULATES HEAVY MOTOR VEHICLE TRAFFIC ON KISHTWAR–SINTHAN NATIONAL HIGHWAY; INDUCTION FROM MAY 25
THE ALERT NEWS
KISHTWAR MAY 24: In a major administrative development aimed at ensuring public safety and disciplined vehicular movement, the Office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Chatroo today issued a formal order regulating the operationalization of Heavy and Commercial vehicles (6\text{ Tyres}) alongside Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) on the Kishtwar–Sinthan–Anantnag National Highway (NH-244).
The statutory regulation comes in the wake of safety clarifications sought by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), PMU Kishtwar, regarding the load-bearing capacity and traffic feasibility of this vulnerable mountainous stretch via Sinthan Top.
According to the official order (No: SDM/C/2026-27/27-78), the regulated movement of heavy/commercial vehicles (6\text{ Tyres}) will formally commence tomorrow, Monday, May 25, 2026. On the inaugural day, traffic will be allowed exclusively from Kishtwar towards Sinthan Top. Thereafter, on each succeeding day, the movement will follow a strict alternating directional sequence based on the preceding day’s traffic flow.
Key Guidelines and Restrictions Enforced:
Weight & Capacity Caps: Only heavy/commercial vehicles (6\text{ Tyres}) with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) not exceeding 18 tonnes are permitted. Buses with a seating capacity exceeding 30 passengers remain strictly prohibited.
Mandatory Undertaking: Every vehicle owner or driver must furnish a mandatory affidavit/undertaking affirming strict compliance with the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Fitness & Safety Checks: Vehicles must be thoroughly roadworthy, equipped with fully functional brakes, steering, speed governors, and tyres suited for rugged hilly terrain. Overloading is strictly prohibited under any circumstances.
Driver Prerequisite: Drivers must possess a valid driving licence with a mandatory hill-driving endorsement/experience. Driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substances will invite strict legal action.
Cut-off Timings: For both heavy commercial vehicles (on their designated days) and LMVs (on all days), crossing at the Parna Check Post, Chingam will only be permitted between 08:00 AM and 04:00 PM. No outward crossing will be allowed beyond these hours.
LMV Movement: Light Motor Vehicles will continue to ply on all days, subject to prevailing weather advisories and road feasibility.
The SDM Chatroo has directed the Station House Officer (SHO) Chatroo to ensure strict, meticulous, and unflinching implementation of these directives at all checking points within the Sub-Division without any relaxation. Any violation of this order will attract stringent legal action under the law.
