Focus on parking, traffic regulation & emergency response measures
RK News Service
Srinagar, June 09: Inspector General of Police (Traffic), J&K, M. Suleman Choudhary on Tuesday reviewed traffic management arrangements and preparedness along the Baltal axis for the smooth conduct of the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026.
Accompanied by SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir Liaqat Ali, DySP Traffic Ganderbal Gulzar Ahmad, SHO Sonamarg and other officers, the IGP visited the Baltal Base Camp and conducted a comprehensive inspection of designated Yatra routes, parking areas, traffic regulation points and critical junctions.
During the visit, he assessed road conditions, traffic diversion plans, parking facilities, signage installations, barricading arrangements and coordination mechanisms aimed at ensuring efficient traffic regulation during the pilgrimage.
Emphasising the need for seamless and hassle-free movement of pilgrims, particularly through sensitive and high-altitude stretches, Choudhary directed officers to ensure prompt clearance of stranded or broken-down vehicles and maintain real-time coordination with Yatra control rooms and other stakeholder agencies.
The IGP interacted with officers and personnel deployed on the ground to assess preparedness and operational challenges. He stressed the importance of visible police presence, adequate manpower deployment, proper directional signages and strict adherence to traffic advisories to prevent congestion and facilitate smooth vehicular movement.
He directed that recovery cranes and breakdown assistance teams remain stationed at vulnerable locations prone to traffic congestion or vehicle breakdowns. Dedicated parking facilities for light and heavy motor vehicles, service vehicles and Yatra transport were also ordered to be properly demarcated and managed.
The officer further instructed that separate corridors be maintained for emergency and essential service vehicles to ensure swift movement during emergencies. He also called for daily briefing and debriefing sessions with field staff to review operational performance and address emerging challenges.
Choudhary stressed the need to balance the movement of pilgrims, tourists and local commuters and called for close coordination with the Civil Administration, District Police, BEACON authorities and other stakeholder agencies for timely resolution of traffic-related issues.
He also directed officials to continuously monitor feedback from pilgrims, residents and other stakeholders and use it for necessary mid-course corrections during the Yatra period.