Jammu, June 30 (IANS) Traffic restrictions are being imposed in J&K’s Jammu from July 2, a day ahead of the start of the annual Amarnath Yatra.

Officials said that with the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 (SANJY-2026) set to commence on July 3, the Traffic Police Jammu have announced route restrictions and diversions in the city from Thursday to ensure smooth movement of pilgrim convoys.

An advisory issued by traffic police said that the first convoy will move from Yatri Niwas, Bhagwati Nagar, on July 2. Departure timings are 4 a.m. for the Baltal convoy and 4:15 a.m. for the Pahalgam convoy.

No traffic movement will be allowed on key city routes from 3:45 a.m. till the tail of the Pahalgam convoy crosses.

The restricted stretches include Canal Head towards Shri Banda Bahadur Chowk, Bhagwati Nagar; R&B Bridge Belicharana towards 4th Tawi Bridge; fly-over take-off point near GCW Gandhi Nagar towards Asia Crossing and Bikram Chowk; Panama Chowk towards Hotel Asia via Fire & Emergency Services Directorate; PHQ towards Bikram Chowk via Jammu University; Ware House towards Bikram Chowk; and B.C Road from Bus Stand to Manda, including laterals from Indira Chowk to K.C Crossing, Maheshpora Chowk to Shakuntala Crossing, Vigilance Rotary to Shakuntala Crossing, Sarwal/Subash Nagar lanes to Rehari Chowk, Exchange Road to Rehari Chowk, Amphalla Jail Road to Amphalla Chowk, and Janipur Road to Ved Mandir/Amphalla Chowk.

Traffic Police will also set up cut-off points on NH-44 at Nagwal/Palli Morh, Kunjwani Chowk, Bajalta Cut, Sidhra Cut, Atal Chowk and TCP Nagrota. No vehicle will be allowed beyond these points after 10 p.m. for HMVs and 12 a.m. for LMVs during the yatra period.

SANJY-2026 will conclude on August 28 after 57 days.

Since both the South Kashmir Pahalgam route and the North Kashmir Baltal route have been declared as ‘no-fly zones’, helicopter services will not be available for the Yatris this year.

–IANS

sq/dpb