Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Police have finalised traffic management arrangements for the annual Amarnath Yatra beginning July 3, with traffic authorities asking commuters to strictly follow advisories and cut-off timings to ensure smooth movement during the pilgrimage.
Deputy Inspector General (Traffic), Kashmir, Haseebur Rehman, told KNS that the annual pilgrimage and the ongoing peak tourist season would pose a challenge due to increased vehicular traffic, but the department was fully prepared to manage the situation.
“Traffic is always a challenge. Tourist arrivals are at their peak and the Amarnath Yatra is also beginning. However, J&K Police is prepared to face this challenge and we will ensure that both the public and tourists do not face inconvenience,” he said.
Rehman said cut-off timings for vehicle movement had been finalised and would be widely publicised through print, electronic and social media platforms.
“We request people to follow these advisories and plan their journeys accordingly so that they do not face any difficulty,” he said.
Appealing for public cooperation, the DIG said the annual pilgrimage provided an opportunity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir to extend hospitality to devotees and visitors.
“Civil society, local residents and the administration should work together and assist tourists during the Yatra,” he said.
Rehman said traffic deployment had been planned keeping in view the expected increase in the number of pilgrims this year compared to previous years.
He also said designated routes, including the Navyug Tunnel corridor, would remain under traffic regulation, while movement on some routes would be restricted during the pilgrimage. Detailed directions would be issued in the coming days, he added.
The officer urged motorists to follow traffic rules, avoid rash driving and refrain from overspeeding, particularly on routes leading to tourist destinations.
“It is our responsibility to facilitate the public, but people also need to develop self-discipline. Follow traffic rules, do not overtake unnecessarily, maintain speed limits and avoid overspeeding,” he said, referring to a recent road accident involving three youths.
The 38-day annual Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to commence simultaneously from the twin routes of Pahalgam in south Kashmir and Baltal in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on July 3. (KNS)
