Amarnath yatra: J&K issues guidelines for safe and smooth pilgrimage

With the Amarnath Yatra set to begin on July 3, the authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have issued safety guidelines to pilgrims to have a smooth and secure journey.

The police have directed all yatris to travel in convoys, as it will make the journey safer and more convenient.

To manage traffic and avoid problems on the road, the Traffic Police headquarters has issued a detailed advisory with clear cut-off timings for vehicles. These timings apply to convoy vehicles, individual pilgrims, and tourists travelling between Jammu and Kashmir. The purpose is to make sure that all vehicles move during safe daylight hours.

For those travelling via the Baltal route, vehicles from Jammu must cross the Navyug Tunnel by 4 am, and those coming from Banihal (Lamber) must reach Baltal by 10 am. From Manigam (Ganderbal) to Baltal, the deadline is 5 pm.

For the return journey, vehicles must leave the Baltal Base Camp by 6 am.

For the Pahalgam route, vehicles from Jammu must cross Mir Bazar by 4 pm, and from Banihal (Lamber) to Pahalgam by 11.30 am. All non-convoy pilgrims and tourist vehicles must travel only between 7 am and 6 pm. After 6 pm, no travel will be allowed. Any vehicle found on the road after this time will be stopped and sent to the nearest camp by the security forces.

There are also restrictions for some key locations. No pilgrim or tourist vehicles will be allowed to travel towards Baltal, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, or Gulmarg after the allowed hours.

Similarly, vehicles going from Srinagar to Gulmarg will not be allowed after 10 am. Strict checks will be held at Nagrota (Jammu) and Jakheni (Udhampur).

For help or information, pilgrims can contact these helpline numbers:

Traffic Control Unit Jammu – 0191-245904

TCU Srinagar – 0194-2450022

TCU Ramban – 6005820617

TCU Udhampur – 9419993745

General Helpline – 7298515191

Pilgrims are strongly advised to check daily traffic updates and follow all rules to avoid delays or trouble. The government has assured that everything is in place to provide a safe, peaceful, and well-organised yatra for everyone.

India