Srinagar, June 9: Inspector General of Police (Traffic), Jammu and Kashmir, Shri M. Suleman Choudhary, IPS, on Tuesday visited the Baltal Base Camp to review traffic management arrangements and preparedness for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026.
During the visit, the IGP Traffic was accompanied by SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir Shri Liaqat Ali (JKPS), DySP Traffic Ganderbal Shri Gulzar Ahmad, SHO Sonamarg, and other officers and officials.
The senior police officer conducted a detailed inspection of the designated Yatra routes, parking areas, traffic regulation points and critical junctions along the Baltal axis. He assessed the condition of roads, reviewed traffic diversion plans, examined parking facilities, signages, barricading arrangements and coordination mechanisms established for efficient traffic regulation during the pilgrimage period.
Emphasising the importance of ensuring seamless and hassle-free movement of pilgrims, particularly through sensitive and high-altitude stretches, the IGP directed officers to ensure prompt clearance of stranded or broken-down vehicles, effective traffic regulation and real-time coordination with Yatra control rooms and other stakeholder agencies.
During the inspection, Shri M. Suleman Choudhary interacted with officers and personnel deployed on the ground to obtain feedback regarding operational challenges and preparedness measures. He stressed the need for visible police presence, proper deployment of manpower, installation of adequate directional signages and strict adherence to traffic advisories to prevent congestion and ensure orderly vehicular movement.
The IGP Traffic also issued several key directions to the concerned officers, including the deployment of recovery cranes and breakdown assistance teams at vulnerable stretches prone to congestion or vehicle breakdowns. He directed that dedicated parking facilities for light motor vehicles (LMVs), heavy motor vehicles (HMVs), service vehicles and Yatra-related transport be properly demarcated and managed with adequate signage.
He further instructed that separate corridors be maintained for emergency and essential service vehicles to facilitate swift movement during exigencies. Daily briefing and debriefing sessions with field staff were also ordered to review operational performance and address emerging challenges.
Highlighting the need to balance the movement of pilgrims, tourists and local commuters, Shri Choudhary said special attention should be paid to ensuring smooth traffic flow for all road users. He also called for close coordination with the Civil Administration, District Police, BEACON authorities and other stakeholder agencies for timely resolution of traffic-related issues.
The IGP further directed that feedback received from Yatris, local residents and other stakeholders be continuously monitored and utilised for mid-course corrections wherever necessary to ensure the successful and smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage.(KNC)
