Srinagar, Jun 9 (KNS): Inspector General of Police, Traffic J&K, M. Suleman Choudhary, IPS, on Tuesday visited the Baltal Base Camp to review traffic management arrangements for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026, stressing seamless and hassle-free movement of pilgrims through high-altitude stretches.
The IGP Traffic conducted a comprehensive inspection of designated Yatra routes, parking areas, traffic regulation points and critical junctions along the Baltal axis, officials said. He assessed road conditions, traffic diversion plans, parking facilities, signages, barricading arrangements and coordination mechanisms established for the Yatra period.
During the visit, Choudhary emphasised the importance of ensuring smooth movement of Yatris, particularly through sensitive and high-altitude stretches, and directed officers to ensure prompt clearance of stranded vehicles, effective traffic regulation and real-time coordination with Yatra control rooms and other stakeholder agencies.
The IGP Traffic issued several key directions to concerned officers. Recovery cranes and breakdown assistance teams shall remain deployed at identified vulnerable stretches prone to congestion or vehicle breakdowns, he said. Dedicated parking facilities for LMVs, HMVs, service vehicles and Yatra-related transport shall be properly demarcated and managed with adequate signage.
He also directed that separate corridors for emergency and essential service vehicles be maintained to facilitate swift movement during exigencies.
Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelDaily briefing and debriefing sessions shall be conducted with field staff to review operational performance and address emerging challenges, he added.
The officer stressed that special attention shall be paid to balancing the movement of Yatris, tourists and local commuters to ensure smooth traffic flow for all road users. Close coordination shall be maintained with the Civil Administration, District Police, BEACON authorities and other stakeholder agencies for timely resolution of traffic-related issues.
Mr Choudhary further directed that feedback received from Yatris, local residents and other stakeholders should be continuously monitored and utilised for mid-course corrections wherever necessary.
During the inspection, the IGP Traffic interacted with officers and personnel deployed on the ground and obtained 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.
He was accompanied by Liaqat Ali, JKPS, SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir, Gulzar Ahmad, DySP Traffic Ganderbal, SHO Sonamarg and other officers and officials. (KNS)