The Jammu Traffic Police have announced traffic restrictions and diversions across the city from July 2, a day ahead of the commencement of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY) 2026, to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrim convoys.
According to an advisory issued by the Traffic Police, the first convoy of pilgrims will depart from Yatri Niwas at Bhagwati Nagar on July 2. The Baltal-bound convoy will leave at 4 a.m., followed by the Pahalgam-bound convoy at 4:15 a.m.
No traffic movement will be permitted on designated routes from 3:45 a.m. until the tail end of the Pahalgam convoy has passed.
The restricted stretches include Canal Head towards Shri Banda Bahadur Chowk and Bhagwati Nagar; R&B Bridge at Belicharana towards the Fourth Tawi Bridge; the flyover take-off near Government College for Women (GCW), Gandhi Nagar, towards Asia Crossing and Bikram Chowk; Panama Chowk towards Hotel Asia via the Fire and Emergency Services Directorate; Police Headquarters towards Bikram Chowk via Jammu University; Ware House towards Bikram Chowk; and B.C. Road from the Bus Stand to Manda. Restrictions will also apply to several connecting roads, including Indira Chowk-K.C. Crossing, Maheshpora Chowk-Shakuntala Crossing, Vigilance Rotary-Shakuntala Crossing, Sarwal/Subash Nagar-Rehari Chowk, Exchange Road-Rehari Chowk, Amphalla Jail Road-Amphalla Chowk, and Janipur Road-Ved Mandir/Amphalla Chowk.
The Traffic Police will also establish cut-off points on National Highway-44 at Nagwal/Palli Morh, Kunjwani Chowk, Bajalta Cut, Sidhra Cut, Atal Chowk and TCP Nagrota. During the yatra period, heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) will not be allowed beyond these points after 10 p.m., while light motor vehicles (LMVs) will be restricted after midnight.
The 57-day Amarnath Yatra will commence on July 3 and conclude on August 28.
Authorities have also reiterated that both the traditional Pahalgam route in south Kashmir and the Baltal route in north Kashmir have been declared no-fly zones. Consequently, helicopter services will not be available for pilgrims during this year’s Yatra.
(With IANS inputs)
