Banihal, Jul 13: Strict cut-off timings enforced on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway as part of the multi-layer security arrangements for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra have emerged as a crucial component in ensuring the safe and smooth movement of thousands of pilgrims travelling to the Kashmir Valley.
Under the traffic advisory issued by the authorities, no Yatra or tourist vehicle arriving from Jammu is allowed to proceed towards Kashmir after 2:00 PM from Chanderkote in Ramban district. Likewise, no such vehicle is permitted to cross the Banihal-Qazigund Tunnel after 3:00 PM. The restrictions are being implemented daily as part of the security protocol for the annual pilgrimage.
Traffic officials said the cut-off timings are aimed at regulating highway traffic and ensuring the safe passage of Yatra convoys under elaborate security cover. They have appealed to pilgrims, tourists and other commuters to plan their journeys in accordance with the advisory and strictly adhere to the prescribed timings.
Pilgrims and tourists who arrive at Chanderkote after the 2:00 PM cut-off are accommodated at the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board’s Yatri Niwas, where they are provided with secure overnight lodging before resuming their journey the following morning.
Located on the banks of the Chenab River, the Chanderkote Yatri Niwas has become one of the most important transit facilities during the annual pilgrimage. The complex has the capacity to accommodate around 5,000 pilgrims at a time and is equipped with accommodation, medical assistance, sanitation facilities and security arrangements.
To cater to the needs of devotees, 11 community langars are operating at Chanderkote, including two inside the Yatri Niwas, serving free meals, tea, refreshments and other essential services round the clock. Besides Chanderkote, another major langar centre has been established at Lambar Ground in Banihal, where over a dozen langars are providing food and refreshments to pilgrims travelling towards the holy cave shrine.
Pilgrims staying at the Chanderkote and Banihal facility expressed satisfaction over the arrangements, describing the accommodation as clean, safe and well-managed. Many appreciated the free meals, medical facilities and the hospitality extended by the district administration, Shri Amarnath Shrine Board and volunteers, saying the overnight halt made their journey comfortable and reassuring.
Devotees also lauded the coordinated efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir Government, the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, security agencies and the Central Government for ensuring a peaceful, secure and pilgrim-friendly Yatra, stating that the comprehensive arrangements have made their spiritual journey safe, smooth and memorable.
According to the traffic advisory, passenger vehicles travelling from Qazigund towards Jammu are permitted to move only after 11:30 AM daily, while vehicles travelling from Jammu towards Srinagar must cross Nagrota between 7:00 AM and 12:00 noon and Udhampur between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Vehicles carrying pilgrims or tourists must cross Chanderkote by 2:00 PM and the Banihal-Qazigund Tunnel by 3:00 PM, failing which they are not allowed to proceed towards Kashmir.
However, local vehicles registered in Jammu and Kashmir are permitted to travel up to 11:30 PM, subject to verification of valid identity documents by police and other authorities.
Officials reiterated that the restrictions are an integral part of the security plan for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Yatra and urged all travellers to follow the traffic advisory while planning their journey to avoid inconvenience.
