Traffic Signals in Jammu City

The much-awaited traffic signals can begin blinking within the winter capital of the State any time throughout next week because the Delhi-based Onnyx company has administrated trial at ten locations, that are identified for being created operational at the initial stage. The signals at remaining twenty locations in numerous corners of Jammu town would become practical in 2 phases.

Official sources told EXCELSIOR that traffic signals at twenty out of total thirty locations identified by the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) in consultation with the Traffic Police, are created practical in all respect and trial on ten out of those twenty locations has been successfully conducted throughout the past 2 days.

"As against earlier set up of creating operational traffic signals in the slightest degree the thirty locations in one go, it's currently been determined that traffic signals would be place to use in 3 phases—one every of ten locations", they said, adding "this call has been taken for the convenience of the vehicle operators, who are presently not used to new system of traffic control".

"Even the Traffic Police personnel aren't well versed with the new system and so as to confirm swish flow of traffic following begin of signals, the manpower of Onnyx would held them in the slightest degree the locations", sources said, adding "the company has conjointly chalked out a 5-day programme to coach the cops in blue uniform regarding the traffic lights".

Out of ten locations, where the traffic signals would begin blinking in initial part, 5 are on Satwari to Bikram Chowk stretch, one at Railway Station Crossing, Narwal, Bathindi By-Pass and 2 locations within the heart of town.

Responding to an issue regarding the precise date of creating operational traffic lights at ten places throughout the part one, Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation, Kuldeep Khajuria said, "we need to urge the traffic lights inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand, who is additionally the Minister Incharge of Urban Development", adding "the precise date would be finalized on the come of Deputy Chief Minister from Union Capital. In any case the traffic lights would be created operational for manning vehicular movement at ten locations throughout next week".

"The inaugural operate would be held at Bikram Chowk", he any said.

In response to an issue, Director of Delhi-based company, Pardeep Kaushik, who is personally supervising the installation of traffic signals in Jammu, said, "the traffic signals are primarily {based} on micro-processor based controller software with LED lights and initially all the signals would be on stand alone mode".

About the apprehensions from bound quarters that stand alone mode traffic lights would produce chaos and confusion, he said, "such apprehensions are baseless. Even in Delhi, solely one hundred fifty traffic signals are inter-connected whereas as a thousand are in stand-alone mode. Moreover, it absolutely was solely throughout last year that every one the traffic lights were connected with one another in Mumbai".

Though contract has been signed between JMC and Power Development Department for power provide to all or any the thirty signals nevertheless so as to confirm that power crisis don’t hamper the functioning of traffic signals at every purpose there would be power duplicate.

The locations, which is able to get traffic signals are Satwari Chowk, Main Stop Gole Market, inexperienced Belt Gandhi Nagar, Chattri purpose, Bikram Chowk, Jewel Chowk, K C Crossing, Shakuntala Crossing, Medical school Crossing, Ambphalla, Canal Head, Bakshi Nagar Puli, Talab Tillo Chowk, BSF college Paloura, Radio Station Chowk, Library Chowk, Vigilance Rotary, Parade Chowk, Ranbireshwar Temple, Shalamar Chowk, Indira Chowk, Vivekananda Chowk, Shaheedi Chowk, Panama Chowk, Janipur Chowk, Roop Nagar, High Court, Kunjwani, Narwal and Bathindi Chowks.

3 Traffic officials suspended

Authorities today suspended three Traffic Police officials including Inspector Raj Kumar Koul after receiving a complaint from the Chief Minister's Secretariat that they were charging money from bus and mini-bus operators at Jhajjar Kotli on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

Besides Mr Koul, two other Traffic Police officials, who have been placed under suspension, included Jagdeep Singh, constable driver and Raman Kumar, selection grade constable.

SSP Traffic, Jammu, Manmohan Singh issued the suspension orders after visiting the spot. An inquiry has also been ordered against them, which would be conducted by a DySP.

Official sources said a complaint was received from the Chief Minister's office about corrupt practices of Traffic Police officials. The action was taken on basis of the complaint.

The complaint was being verified, sources said.

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House Committee for full fledged Traffic

Observing that lack of coordination between concerned departments and indulgence in ‘blame-game’ are the main reasons behind failure of the Government to check tragic road accidents in the State in general and on Batote-Kishtwar National Highway 1B in particular, House Committee of the Legislative Assembly has recommended constitution of a full-fledged Traffic Regulatory Authority having the responsibility and accountability for the regulation and management of vehicular traffic and to avoid rolling of responsibilities from one department to another. The panel has also taken serious note of the State Vigilance Organization closing the case of fake licenses and stressed that stern action should be taken against the erring officers.

"It is a matter of serious concern that enquiry into the issue of fake licenses in certain areas particularly in Doda and Udhampur districts has not been taken to its logical conclusion by the State Vigilance Organization on the pretext that facts could not be established in the absence of records", said the House Committee headed by CPM MLA, Mohd Yousaf Tarigami, in its report tabled in the Legislative Assembly today.

Terming the statement of the Vigilance Organization that the case has been closed on account of non-availability of records as disgusting, the House Committee said, "the argument given by the organization is not justified as the issuance of fake licenses has been the major reason for loss of human lives in the road accidents all over the State in general and the specified area in particular".

Observing that Vigilance Organization should have taken recourse to every possible mechanism to investigate the matter and establish the facts instead of closure of the case on the pretext of non-availability of records, the Committee has recommended stern action against the officers in Vigilance Organization, Jammu, for the closure of the investigation under Verification No. SVO/Veri-UDR-47/2010-14856 without any serious efforts.

It has also recommended that Government should take necessary steps to finalize the verification and initiate action against the officers responsible for issuing fake licenses and concealing/ misplacing the relevant information. Moreover, the House Committee has asked the Transport Department to decide the fate of driving licenses for which the records are not available in the ARTO offices of erstwhile Doda district especially for operation of passenger service vehicles, within a specified period of time to rule out the misuse of fake licenses even as on date.

Pointing towards the lack of adequate number of SRTC buses and resulting overloading by the private transporters, the Committee observed that 15 buses were plying in the area during 2010 when the Chief Minister directed that the services should be augmented by way of providing 15 new buses. The Department replaced the old fleet instead of its augmentation by introducing 15 new buses and withdrawing the old ones.

Apprehending nexus between the SRTC and private transport operators at the cost of precious human lives, the Committee has directed the Corporation to restore the fleet position of 2009-10 with the addition of 34 new vehicles already sanctioned by the Chief Minister without any further delay. It has also directed the Corporation to augment its operations in the erstwhile Doda district by way of immediate purchase of 34 small wheel based buses under Special Plan Assistance of Rs 3crore provided for the purpose by the Transport Department.

It has suggested that SRTC should refrain from diversion/ withdrawal of vehicles plying on the specified routes at all costs and establish workshops at all three district headquarters to facilitate immediate repairs to the vehicles, which is imperative to check shortage of the vehicles.

"Since number of departments/ agencies are involved in regulation of traffic and lack of similarity in the priorities nullify the efforts of one or the other department intentionally or un-intentionally, there is a dire need to constitute a full-fledged Traffic Regulatory Authority under one roof having the responsibility and accountability for the regulation and management of vehicular traffic in the State and to avoid rolling of responsibilities from one department to another", the Committee said.

It has suggested that the State Government should approach Central Government and seek adequate financial assistance for Beacon organization as per their projections. "The State Government should also seek early approval of the proposal for supply of 12 Basic Life Saving Ambulances and 12 ten-ton and 13 small recovery cranes, which has already been submitted under the National Highways Accident Relief Service Scheme.

As far as department wise suggestions are concerned, the House Panel has recommended that Home Department should set up Traffic Police Posts equipped with CCTV cameras and required communication system at suitable distances to curb all sorts of traffic violations including overloading in passenger vehicles, set up traffic check posts to verify the particulars of the drivers and conductors to prevent driving of vehicles by unauthorized drivers, ensure time table of all passenger service vehicles, prevent diversion of routes by SRTC and other transport agencies having specific route permits and arrange highway patrolling.

It has recommended that Planning and Development Department should immediately approve a proposal submitted by the Transport Department for provision of Rs 9.30 crore during 2011-12 and Rs 3.80 crore during 2012-13 for purchase of 76 mini coaches and 15 (47 seater) buses for exclusive use in the hilly districts of Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Poonch, Reasi and Rajouri. "The Planning and Development Department should also approve project costing Rs 20.16 crore for providing infrastructure to the Quick Reaction Teams and improvement of internal district roads", the Committee said.

It has suggested that Public Works Department and Beacon should take up on priority the upgradation and improvement of Batote-Kishtwar road and the internal roads of erstwhile Doda district, construct concrete crash barriers and parapets of specific height on the river side in all vulnerable areas, widen sharp curves, install warning signals, glow sign boards and reflectors at required locations.

About the Transport Department, it has suggested holding of trials of the drivers holding licenses to drive passenger service vehicles, ban issuance of licenses to drive passenger service vehicle without successful completion of professional training in driving schools, frame time-table for operation of passenger service vehicles, outsource fitness test, amend Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and J&K Motor Vehicles Rules, 1991 to make the penalty provisions more stringent in order to deter the offenders besides empowering all Ist Class Magistrates and ban plying of 407 four wheeled base mini-bus in hilly districts.

The House Committee headed by CPM MLA, Mohd Yousaf Tarigami was constituted on May 10, 2011 after the issue of frequent tragic road accidents was raised by the National Conference MLA from Kishtwar, Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo and serious concern was expressed by MLAs cutting across party lines during the last Budget Session.

It held series of meetings with the officers of concerned departments and conducted spot inspections of Batote-Doda-Kishtwar National Highway 1B to assess the physical status of the road. The report of the House Committee was tabled in the Legislative Assembly by its member G M Saroori on behalf of Mohd Yousaf Tarigami.

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Traffic SI caught red handed accepting bribe

The State Vigilance Organisation (SVO) today caught red handed Sub-Inspector, Traffic Police, Kashmir while demanding a bribe of ` 1000 from vice-president of Sumo Drivers Association, Charar-i-Sharief, Budgam.

The complainant namely Fayaz Ahmad Khanda, son of Abdul Aziz Khanda, R/o Charar-i-Sharief, Budgam lodged a complaint against Sub-Inspector Ali Mohammad Parray on behalf of Sumo Drivers Association, Charar-i-Sharief, Budgam with Police Station, Vigilance Organisation, Kashmir.

He stated that Ali Mohammad posted at Exhibition Crossing was extorting money as ‘Hafta’ from the drivers by using all coercive methods and threatening to seize their vehicles.

He alleged that the accused had also given ultimatum to pay ` one thousand today.

On receipt of the complaint a Case FIR NO 04/2012 P/s VOK was registered and investigation taken up.

The team constituted for the purpose laid a successful trap to catch the Traffic Sub-Inspector while accepting ` 1000 as bribe from the complainant.

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Hundreds of vehicles leave for Srinagar from Jammu

Hundreds of vehicles, including those carrying essentials for the Kashmir valley, left Jammu this morning as authorities allowed only one-way traffic on the highway, connecting the Places to Visit in Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country.

The one-way traffic on the highway has been continuing since the past two weeks after heavy snowfall triggered landslides and shooting stones, killing 11 people, including four members of a family.

A traffic police spokesman said here today that hundreds of vehicles, including trucks loaded with essentials and passengers, left Jammu and Udhampur this morning for Kashmir.

He said no vehicle was allowed from Srinagar or any other part of the Valley.

This has been decided as a precautionary measure to avoid traffic jam on the highway. Two way traffic will be allowed after receiving green signal from the BRO, traffic and police officials posted at different places on the highway.

The highway remained closed for most period of January and February due to snowfall, avalanches and slippery road condition, resulting in shortage of essentials, particularly cooking gas.

Majority of meat and chicken shops remained closed. However, in

some areas, the butchers and those selling chicken were seen selling their products on higher rates against the government approved rates.

Ladakh region remained cut off from the rest of the state since December 1 last year when Zojila pass was closed for six winter months due to snowfall. The Centre and state government have approved to construct a tunnel at Zojila to make it an all weather road.

Dozens of far-flung and remote villages, including those near the Line of Control (LoC) also remained cut off from their respective district headquarters due to closure of the Sadhna and Razdan passes in north Kashmir.

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Traffic suspended on highway to clear stranded vehicles

Authorities today suspended fresh traffic movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in order to clear vehicles stranded at different places due to extreme weather conditions for the past few days.

“No fresh traffic has been allowed from Jammu and Srinagar capital cities and all the stranded vehicles would be cleared”, Police officials said in Jammu.

The route was thrown open for two-way traffic yesterday for clearance of stranded vehicles after remaining closed for past three days due to heavy snowfall, avalanche and landslides.

As many as 3,266 stranded vehicles have been cleared during the past 24 hours, officials said.

Around 1,300 vehicles, including 1100 passenger vehicles reached Jammu while 1469 vehicles including 860 passenger vehicles from Jammu crossed the Valley yesterday, SP Ramban Anil Magotra said.

Similarly, around 185 vehicles, including 163 passenger vehicles from Jammu crossed over to Jawahir tunnel towards Kashmir and 312 vehicles including 165 passenger vehicles are on way to Jammu from Kashmir today, he said.

He said there was landslide at Nashri during midnight but it was cleared by Border Road Organisation (BRO) personnel and movement of vehicles was going on smoothly.

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One way traffic restored fully on highway

The Srinagar-Jammu national highway remained open for one-way traffic from Jammu to Srinagar. The authorities allowed the passenger vehicles to ply on the road almost after a week due to the slippery road conditions.

Officials said that due to slippery road conditions at many places only one-way traffic including the passenger traffic was allowed to move from Jammu to Srinagar while no vehicle was allowed to ply in the opposite direction.

Deputy Inspector General of Traffic, Vijay Kumar said following improvement in the conditions of the road they allowed the full fledged one way traffic from Jammu to Srinagar today. “At least 1900 Srinagar bound vehicles crossed over to this side of the tunnel. Among the 1900 vehicles at least 890 vehicles were passenger vehicles,” DIG said.

He said they have cleared almost all the supply carrying vehicles which were stranded on the other side of the tunnel at many places.

On the movement of the traffic on the road tomorrow DIG said, “We have decided to allow both the heavy and the passenger traffic from Srinagar to Jammu tomorrow but the intending travelers are asked to cross the Qazigund by or before 10 AM.”

To avoid any mishap or traffic jams on the road they will first let the passenger vehicles cross the Qazigund only after which the heavy traffic will be allowed to move.

Reports from Banihal, however, said that amid restrictions for fresh vehilces, one-way traffic from Jammu to Srinagar was allowed to move on 300 kilometer long National Highway 1A, today while tomorrow there will be down traffic from Srinagar to Jammu in case of fair weather condition.

Official sources said that in the morning hours some Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) buses were allowed proceed from Jammu to Srinagar but later at around 11 AM, the no fresh traffic was allowed to move.

The stranded traffic was allowed to move one-way from Jammu to Srinagar. As per official data, 2063 vehicles crossed Jawahar Tunnel till 7 PM. It included 695 trucks, 971 LMVs, 169 Oil Tankers, 16 LPG trucks , 41 gas tankers, 8 SRTC buses, 13 private buses, 60 army vehilces, 55 CRPF and 45 BSF.

Met forecasts snow on Sunday

Cold wave to intensify further

With day temperature dipping further, Kashmir continues to freeze in what is seen as one of the harshest winters, presenting the people with lot of difficulties.The valley has been devoid of clear sun shine since the major snowfall on Saturday while the day temperatures have consistently stayed below zero.The maximum temperature recorded at 11 this morning was minus 1.4 degree Celsius, which increased only slightly to minus 0.4 degree Celsius by 2:30 PM. It is far less than the normal temperature of 5 degree Celsius at this time of the year.

The nights are even colder. The minimum temperature recorded during Wednesday night was minus 3.8 degree Celsius, which is less than the 3.3 degree Celsius of the previous night.Round-the-clock minus temperature has frozen the snow on the roads, the water taps, water bodies and almost everything. And, the icicles hanging from the rooftops amidst overcast sky have brought back the memories of the past.“This kind of a winter was common in 1970s and 1980s. That time, snowfall in December or January was usually followed by long freezing temperatures that would prevent the snow from melting till March. And the long and thick icicles hanging from rooftops were symbolizing the winter. Now, it seems the era has returned,” 60-year-old, Habibulah Roshanghar, of Fateh Kadal said.

The hostile conditions are presenting a tough challenge to the people. The movement on slippery roads has become difficult and dangerous especially in the wee hours.Reportedly, the bone and joints hospitals—the valley’s only specialised orthopedic hospital—received more than 160 patients, majority of them with major fractures, in just two days after the snowfall.Fearing injuries, many, mostly elderly, prefer to stay home.“I have honestly not stepped out of the house since Saturday. Outside the room I cannot afford to take my hand out of the pocket for even a moment, and the frozen snow on the roads feels like shiny glass, difficult to walk on,” said Gulzar Ahmad of Batmaloo.The traffic movement on the city roads has also been both scarce and sluggish. This morning, a mini-bus, no JKOID 7966, overturned at Rangerstop near Khanyar in old city while negotiating a slippery curve. The driver and three others received minor injuries in the mishap.The police, however, could not confirm the incident.

HIGHWAY CLOSED

After remaining open yesterday, the Srinagar-Jammu highway has been closed again for the passenger vehicles.The officials in the traffic control unit said only vehicles carrying essential goods were allowed to move from Jammu towards Srinagar.“There are repairs going on at Battery Cheshma and some other place, so the passenger vehicles were not allowed,” an official said.

BANIHAL: Reports from Banihal said that today 400 vehicles including, 250 trucks carrying essential commodities, 121 Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and 28 load carrier were allowed to roll from Jammu towards Srinagar. These vehilces crossed the Jawahar tunnel while at-least 1000 trucks were stranded on the other side of tunnel towards Verinag.

The truckers stranded on the other side of Jawahar Tunnel alleged that they were stranded there since last six days and were not allowed to proceed towards Jammu despite clearance of highway.The highway was blockade on Saturday last, due to inclement weather conditions. The traffic problem is getting compounded due to slippery road and avalanche threats at many places.No fresh vehicles carrying passengers or goods were allowed to move both from Jammu & Srinagar and only the stranded vehilces heading towards valley were cleared by the traffic authorities on priority. Meanwhile, power supply in the Upper Banihal area was restored today after seven days of interruption. However, Lower Banihal including town was without power since Friday. 

:As the Kashmir valley is reeling under cold wave conditions for past six days, the Meteorological Department has forecast that the cold and dry weather conditions will intensify for next two days.However, the Director MeT office in Srinagar, Sonam Lotus, said here that another western disturbance on Saturday will result in light to moderate snowfall on Sunday in Kashmir valley.

The snow is expected to give relief to the people who are facing water shortage due to freezing temperatures. The water pipes and taps are frozen for past five days and people in most localities are without water.

The freezing temperatures have frozen the stagnant water bodies and today more parts of the Dal lake were frozen with continuous freezing temperatures.

The minimum temperature recorded in Srinagar was minus 3.8 degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature was recorded at minus 0.5 degree Celsius.

The minimum temperature in Pahalgam was minus 12.1 degrees and the maximum was recorded at minus 1.0 degree Celsius.

The gateway to Kashmir, the South Kashmir town of Qazigund recorded minimum temperature of minus 7.2 degrees Celsius and maximum temperature of minus 0.9 degree Celsius.

The tourist resort of Kokernag recorded a minimum temperature of minus 9.0 degree Celsius and maximum temperature of minus 2.4 degree Celsius.

The North Kashmir township of Kupwara recorded a maximum temperature of 0.6 degree Celsius and minimum temperature of minus 3.9 degrees Celsius.

Gulmarg recorded minus 16.4 degree Celsius while Leh minus 10.4 degree Celsius. Kargil was the coldest in the State at minus 18 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained opened for one way traffic today. The trucks with essential commodities were allowed to ply on the highway from Jammu to Srinagar. Over 100 trucks had crossed the tunnel upto this evening.

The Border Roads Organization (BRO) conducted repairs of the highway today at several places and sprinkled salt at several places to tackle with the slippery road.

Meanwhile, a meeting was held at Qazigund in which Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Kifayat Hussain Rizvi and SP Kulgam Masoodul Hassan besides other officers participated. The meeting reviewed the regulation of the traffic on the highway. The representatives from various agencies participated in the meeting. 

NH reopens for 1 way traffic

After remaining shut for three running days due to the heavy snowfall in the valley the Srinagar-Jammu national highway linking Kashmir with rest of the country was thrown open for one way traffic later afternoon today. The road was closed by the authorities Thursday evening after the heavy snowfall in Jawahar tunnel and other places along the highway.

Chief engineer Beacon, Brigadier, TPS Rawat, addressing a press conference at Jawahar Tunnel today said that they have cleared the road of snow all along and has been thrown open for one way traffic from Jammu to Srinagar.

“We put up all our efforts by pressing into service both our men and the machines to restore traffic on the road. The road had been cleared of snow only yesterday but the shooting stones at Panithal, Sherbibi and Ramsoo had caused damage to a big patch which took us the whole night to repair,” Rawat said.

He said that the road is now clear and has been restored for one way traffic from Jammu to Srinagar this afternoon.

Deputy Inspector General, Traffic, Vijay Kumar, said that after receiving green signal from the Beacon authorities the traffic was restored on the road.

“We not only cleared the Srinagar bound vehicles which had got stranded on the road but allowed the fresh traffic from Jammu. At least 200 vehicles including the supply vehicles have crossed the Jawahar tunnel so far,” DIG said.

He said that if weather remains normal the traffic from Srinagar to Jammu will be allowed tomorrow.

However he ruled out any possibility of the restoration of two way traffic on the road until the Beacon gives the signal for the same.

Tarffic chaos in Jammu City

As the cavalcade of President Partibha Devi Singh Patil moved to and fro, from Rajbhawan to the venues, which she was scheduled to visit, complete traffic chaos and confusion prevailed in the city of temples since early this morning.

Huge traffic jams were witnessed on roads connecting the venues besides the crossings from where the cavalcades of VVIP were scheduled to pass or passed, due to non-predefined traffic restrictions. The traffic cops raised barricades and parked their vehicles in the middle of the roads abruptly totally choking the traffic flow even half-an-hour before the passing of VVIP cavalcade. They not even allowed the pedestrains to cross the roads and crossings.

There was total commotion in the city of temples due to unexpected and unplanned traffic restrictions. The people failed to understand which route they should follow in order to reach their respective destinations. The worst affected were the students and office goers besides attendants of the patients admitted in Government Medical College (GMC) and SMGS hospital.

The vehicular traffic was initially disrupted on the route between Raj Bhawan and Raghunath Temple whereas the Raghunath Temple Chowk was virtually converted into a fortress with huge deployment of cops, para-military forces, Jammu & Kashmir Armed Police (JKAP) cops, policemen in civvies and men of intelligence agencies. The whole area was declared out of bounds for the commoners and even the pilgrims and tourists from other states were not allowed to pay their obeisance prior to President’s visit. The approaching roads were sealed with parking of police vehilce in the middle of the road and erection of barricades around midnight and sharp shooters were deployed on the rooftops of adjoining buildings. The temple premises and its surroundings were thoroughly frisked by the cops and no stranger was allowed to enter the premises.

The traffic on the roads and crossing approaching Raghunath Bazar from Raj Bhawan was stopped resulting in inconvenience to locals. Huge traffic jam was witnessed at Maheshpura, and approaching roads to Flyover Crossing connecting Brigadier Rajinder Singh Chowk for an hour in the morning.

The cops reportedly did not allow the shopkeepers of Raghunath Bazar to open their shops prior to VVIP’s visit with curfew like situation all around. The shopkeepers opened their business establishments only after departure of President. Patil then flew to Katra to attend the 3rd Convocation SMVDU and after her return in the afternoon, similar traffic restrictions were seen in the city. An Ambulance bearing registration number JK02AD-6188 carrying a body was stuck up in the jam besides other vehicles.

In the evening, again similar traffic chaos was seen during VVIP’s to and fro visit to Jammu University to attend Dogra Rattan Awards function.

As per rough estimate, 60 percent commercial vehicles remained off the road here while many people opted not to come out of their houses due to traffic commotion.

However, three-tier security grid remained in place keeping in view VVIP movement in the city of temples.