Amarnath Yatra: Jammu Traffic Police issue strict route restrictions from July 2
Jammu, June 30
Traffic restrictions are being imposed in J&K's Jammu from July 2, a day ahead of the start of the annual Amarnath Yatra.
Officials said that with the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 (SANJY-2026) set to commence on July 3, the Traffic Police Jammu have announced route restrictions and diversions in the city from Thursday to ensure smooth movement of pilgrim convoys.
An advisory issued by traffic police said that the first convoy will move from Yatri Niwas, Bhagwati Nagar, on July 2. Departure timings are 4 a.m. for the Baltal convoy and 4:15 a.m. for the Pahalgam convoy.
No traffic movement will be allowed on key city routes from 3:45 a.m. till the tail of the Pahalgam convoy crosses.
The 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 p.m. for HMVs and 12 a.m. for LMVs during the yatra period.
SANJY-2026 will conclude on August 28 after 57 days.
Since both the South Kashmir Pahalgam route and the North Kashmir Baltal route have been declared as 'no-fly zones', helicopter services will not be available for the Yatris this year.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I was planning to visit Jammu next week for work. These restrictions will add 1-2 hours to my commute. No helicopter services this year means more road traffic. I understand the security concerns and religious importance, but the administration should release a proper timeline map so residents can plan their travels. Not everyone stays updated on these advisory notices.
Interesting to see how a 57-day religious event shapes daily life in Jammu. The cut-off points on NH-44 and restricted truck movement at night remind me of how we handle marathon events in the US. Hope they've also considered emergency vehicle access - what if someone has a heart attack on a restricted road at 4 AM?
As someone who did the yatra in 2019, I think the restrictions are necessary. The roads especially the narrow ones near Panjtarni and Sangam are dangerous when choked with civilian traffic. But banning helicopter services is a bit extreme. Old pilgrims with knee problems really depend on them. Government should at least allow limited helicopter sorties during emergencies.
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