J&K: Traffic Dept issues travel advisory for SANJY-2026
Srinagar, June 24
In order to ensure smooth and hassle-free movement of Yatris during the upcoming SANJY-2026, J&K Traffic Department on Wednesday issued the detailed timing schedule for the Yatri convoys.
According to the schedule, the Yatri convoy will leave the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas for the north Kashmir Baltal base camp before or by 4 a.m. each day. The escorted convoy must leave Banihal for Baltal before or by 10 a.m.
From the Manigam transit camp in Ganderbal district, the convoy will be allowed to move only up to 5 p.m. towards the Baltal base camp.
Similarly, the escorted convoy carrying Yatris back from the Baltal base camp must leave by 6 a.m. at the latest. The same convoy must leave Banihal for Jammu by or before 11.30 a.m.
For the Pahalgam base camp, the Yatri convoy must leave Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu before or by 4.15 a.m. The same convoy must leave Banihal for the Pahalgam base camp before or by 10.45 a.m.
The convoy carrying Yatris back to Jammu from Pahalgam must leave before or by 6 a.m., and from the Nunwan base camp near Pahalgam, it must leave by or before 6.30 a.m. This convoy must leave Banihal for Jammu before or by 8 a.m.
The timing schedule for Yatris/tourists not coming in the escorted convoys states that the last vehicle carrying Yatris or tourists must cross the Navyug tunnel by 3 p.m. The last vehicle must leave Manigam transit camp for Baltal before or by 5 p.m. Similarly, non-convoy Yatri/tourist vehicles must leave Sonamarg for Ganderbal before or by 10 a.m. and leave Manigam transit camp for Srinagar before or by 12 noon.
No Yatri/tourist vehicle shall be allowed from Pahalgam towards Jammu/Srinagar Anantnag after 3.30 p.m. No Yatri/tourist vehicle shall be allowed from Sonamarg towards Srinagar after 4 p.m. No tourist vehicle shall be allowed from Gulmarg towards Srinagar after 5 p.m., and no vehicle from Srinagar to Gulmarg after 5 p.m.
The traffic advisory said, "Yatris/tourists are advised to travel in the Kashmir Valley only between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. After the withdrawal of the security forces, road opening parties (ROPs) at 6 p.m. No vehicle of Yatri/tourists shall be allowed to move further.
Concerned Police/Traffic/SFs shall bring such vehicles to the nearest Yatri/SFs camp. This advisory is valid only for Yatris/Yatra Convoy/Tourists. For other HMVs/LMVs/SFs Convoys, please refer to the Daily Traffic Advisory issued by the Traffic Police."
— IANS
Reader Comments
I appreciate the effort but the 4 AM departure is brutal for elderly yatris. Why not stagger the convoys a bit more? Also, non-convoy tourists getting squeezed out by 3 PM seems unfair for those just wanting to enjoy Kashmir without the pilgrimage.
Living in Kashmir, I can tell you this is much needed. Last year the traffic was a nightmare, especially on the Srinagar-Jammu highway. The ROP withdrawal at 6 PM is also a good safety measure. Well done, Traffic Dept! 👏
I'm a local from Ganderbal. These strict timings make life difficult for us too. We can't use the road after certain hours because everything is blocked for yatris. The administration should also consider alternative routes for locals during yatra season. Just saying.
Good advisory but I hope they also ensure proper facilities at the transit camps. Last year at Manigam, there was shortage of drinking water and toilets. Yatris suffer a lot. Security is important but basic amenities matter too.
All these rules and timings, but what about the condition of the roads? Baltal route is particularly dangerous after rains. Better to focus on infrastructure first rather than just paperwork. But yes, safe yatra is priority. 🚗
J We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.