SRINAGAR: The Jammu Traffic Police have announced traffic restrictions and route diversions from July 2 in preparation for the annual Amarnath Yatra to ensure the smooth and safe movement of pilgrims.
According to officials, the restrictions have been put in place to manage the expected increase in pilgrim traffic and prevent congestion on key routes leading to the Yatra base camps. Certain roads and stretches will be regulated or diverted depending on convoy movement and traffic requirements.
An advisory issued by the traffic police states that the first convoy will depart from Yatri Niwas, Bhagwati Nagar, on July 2. Departure timings are 4:00 AM for the Baltal convoy and 4:15 AM for the Pahalgam convoy.
No traffic movement will be allowed on key city routes from 3:45 AM till the tail of the Pahalgam convoy crosses. Restricted stretches include Canal Head towards Shri Banda Bahadur Chowk, Bhagwati Nagar; R&B Bridge Belicharana towards 4th Tawi Bridge; fly-over take-off point near GCW Gandhi Nagar towards Asia Crossing and Bikram Chowk; Panama Chowk towards Hotel Asia via Fire & Emergency Services Directorate; PHQ towards Bikram Chowk via Jammu University; Ware House towards Bikram Chowk; and B.C Road from Bus Stand to Manda, including laterals from Indira Chowk to K.C Crossing, Maheshpora Chowk to Shakuntala Crossing, Vigilance Rotary to Shakuntala Crossing, Sarwal/Subash Nagar lanes to Rehari Chowk, Exchange Road to Rehari Chowk, Amphalla Jail Road to Amphalla Chowk, and Janipur Road to Ved Mandir/Amphalla Chowk.
Traffic Police will also set up cut-off points on NH-44 at Nagwal/Palli Morh, Kunjwani Chowk, Bajalta Cut, Sidhra Cut, Atal Chowk and TCP Nagrota. No vehicle will be allowed beyond these points after 10:00 PM for HMVs and 12:00 AM for LMVs during the yatra period.
The authorities have advised commuters, transport operators and local residents to plan their journeys accordingly and strictly adhere to traffic advisories during the Yatra period.
Officials said priority movement would be ensured for emergency and essential service vehicles throughout the pilgrimage.
