Govt issues updated traffic advisory for Amarnath Yatra 2023

Srinagar, July 03: In a bid to enhance traffic management and ensure smooth operations during the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, the government has released a revised traffic advisory and updated cut-off timings. These measures, which will be in effect from July 4 to September 1, 2023, aim to streamline the movement of yatra convoys and yatris.
The updated traffic advisory provides detailed guidelines and timings for various routes and stages of the yatra. Notably, the last vehicle from Jammu to Pahalgam (excluding the Main Convoy arriving from Jammu) must cross the NAVYUG Tunnel towards the Valley by 4:00 PM. Similarly, the last vehicle crossing Mir Bazar towards Anantnag should do so by the same time.
For the movement of convoys and yatris from Kashmir Valley to NAVYUG Tunnel, specific cut-off timings have been established. For instance, vehicles departing from Baltal to the NAVYUG Tunnel, excluding the Main Convoy leaving at 6:00 AM from Baltal, must cross Pantha Chowk towards Anantnag by 3:30 PM. Likewise, those traveling from Mir Bazar to the NAVYUG Tunnel, excluding the Main Convoys departing from Baltal and Nunwan at 6:00 AM, should cross Mir Bazar towards the NAVYUG Tunnel by 4:30 PM.
To facilitate the movement of yatra convoys between the Jammu Zone and Kashmir Valley, designated timings have been assigned. The UP Baltal Convoy departs from Jammu towards Kashmir for Baltal at 4:00 AM, while the DOWN Baltal Convoy leaves Baltal for Jammu at 6:00 AM. Similar departure and arrival timings have been set for the UP and DOWN Pahalgam Convoys, ensuring coordinated movement between the respective destinations.
Yatra and tourist vehicles not part of the convoys are also subject to specific instructions. Their release from Jammu is scheduled for 5:00 PM, with cut-off timings at Jammu, Udhampur, Chanderkote, and Lamber, Banihal set at 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM, respectively.
The authorities have emphasized general cut-off timings to regulate the flow of vehicles. After 4:00 PM, no yatri or tourist vehicle will be allowed to cross the NAVYUG Tunnel towards Kashmir. Similarly, no vehicles will be permitted to travel from Pahalgam towards Jammu/Srinagar after 3:00 PM, and the same restriction applies to vehicles from Sonamarg and Gulmarg towards Srinagar after 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, respectively.
To ensure a smoother yatra experience, yatris and tourists are advised to plan their travel between 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, aiming to reach their destinations within this timeframe. It should be noted that after 6:00 PM, the movement of yatri/tourist vehicles will be restricted, and concerned police, traffic, and security forces will redirect such vehicles to the nearest Yatri/SFs camp.
Authorities have clarified that the issued advisory is applicable only to yatris, yatra convoys, and tourists. Other categories, including HMVs/LMVs/SFs Convoys, are advised to refer to the Daily Traffic Advisory provided by the Traffic Police for further guidance.