SRINAGAR: The authorities have recently released updated traffic rules and cut-off timings for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra 2023. These changes, as per authorities aim to streamline the movement of yatra convoys and yatris during the pilgrimage.
The revised traffic advisory will be in effect from July 4 to September 1, 2023. It includes specific timings and routes for different segments of the journey.
For those traveling from Jammu to Pahalgam (excluding the Main Convoy from Jammu), the last vehicle allowed to cross the NAVYUG Tunnel towards the Valley is at 4:00 PM. Similarly, the last vehicle permitted to cross Mir Bazar towards Anantnag should do so by 4:00 PM as well.
In the Pantha Chowk to Manigam area of Ganderbal district (excluding the Main Convoy from Jammu), the last vehicle can cross the Peak Automobile Crossing at Lassjan towards Manigam until 3:30 PM. The last vehicle allowed to cross Shadipora, Sumbal towards Manigam is at 4:00 PM, while the last vehicle crossing the Manigam Transit Camp towards Baltal should do so by 5:00 PM.
For convoys and yatris traveling from the Kashmir Valley to the NAVYUG Tunnel, specific cut-off timings have been set. Vehicles other than the Main Convoy departing from Baltal at 6:00 AM should ensure the last vehicle crosses Pantha Chowk towards Anantnag by 3:30 PM. For vehicles other than the Main Convoys departing from Baltal and Nunwan at 6:00 AM, the last vehicle crossing Mir Bazar towards the NAVYUG Tunnel should be by 4:30 PM. Additionally, the last vehicle permitted to cross the Walnut Factory Qazigund towards the NAVYUG Tunnel is at 5:30 PM.
The cut-off timings for yatra convoys between the Jammu Zone and the Kashmir Valley are as follows: the UP Baltal Convoy departs from Jammu towards Kashmir for Baltal at 4:00 AM, and the departure from Lamber Banihal towards Baltal is at 10:00 AM. The DOWN Baltal Convoy leaves Baltal towards Jammu at 6:00 AM and arrives at Lamber, Banihal at 11:30 AM. The UP Pahalgam Convoy departs from Jammu at 4:15 AM, and the departure from Lamber Banihal is at 10:30 AM. The DOWN Pahalgam Convoy departs from Pahalgam at 6:00 AM, arrives at Lamber Banihal at 8:00 AM, and leaves for Baltal from Manigam at 5:00 PM.
For yatra/tourist vehicles not part of the convoys, they are released from Jammu at 5:00 PM. The cut-off timings for UP yatra/tourist vehicles other than the convoys are as follows: Jammu at 12:00 PM, Udhampur at 1:00 PM, Chanderkote at 2:00 PM, and Lamber, Banihal at 3:00 PM.
The general cut-off timings state that no yatri/tourist vehicle will be allowed to cross the NAVYUG Tunnel towards Kashmir after 4:00 PM. Similarly, no yatri/tourist vehicle is permitted to travel from Pahalgam towards Jammu/Srinagar after 3:00 PM. Vehicles from Sonamarg towards Srinagar and Gulmarg towards Srinagar will not be allowed after 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, respectively.
Yatris/tourists are advised to plan their travel between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM within the Kashmir Valley, ensuring they reach their destination during this time period. After the withdrawal of the Road Opening Party (ROP) at 6:00 PM, the movement of yatri/tourist vehicles will be restricted. The concerned police, traffic, and security forces will guide these vehicles to the nearest yatri/security forces camp.
The advisory emphasises that it is applicable only to yatris, yatra convoys, and tourists. Other heavy and light motor vehicles and security forces convoys should refer to the Daily Traffic Advisories.
