The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway No. 1-A, is one of the busiest route of the country with on an average about 800 buses and over 2,000 trucks and army vehicles passing through the Banihal Toll Post every day. This number varies from summer to winter months. For example, in winters, occasionally, after heavy snowing and rains, the National Highway is closed. During this period the Nashiri and the Khuni Nala tracts are the worst affected. Contrary to this, during the summer season up to 4,000 buses, mini buses and trucks pass through the Banihal Tunnel. The temporal growth in the traffic on the Jammu Srinagar National Highway No. 1 alongwith bad roads at certain sections have given rise in road accidents in the State. In the last six months over 619 accidents of fatal nature and 4,195 of non-fatal nature, while highest 1,149 road accidents were reported in Jammu District. These included 104 of fatal nature and 1,045 non-fatal resulting in death of 107 persons and injuries to 1,278. The second highest 103 road accident deaths were reported in District Udhampur of Jammu region with 398 mishaps including 57 fatal and 341 non-fatal in nature. In Kashmir Valley, highest number of 52 deaths were reported in Srinagar District in 362 accidents, 50 fatal and 312 non-fatal. Statistics apart Jammu and Kashmir roads have always claimed more lives than the militancy which has been on for over last two decades.
