Tulip Festival 2025 likely to draw massive crowds, one-way traffic plan enforced to manage rush

Srinagar: With the Tulip Festival 2025 set to begin on March 26, authorities have announced a “one-way traffic plan” to manage the anticipated visitors rush to Asia’s largest Tulip Garden.
An advisory issued by the Srinagar Traffic Police reads “The restrictions will be in place daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, particularly on holidays, to prevent congestion.”
“The restrictions have been put in place as officials expect a heavy influx of tourists and locals, especially after Eid-ul-Fitr, to see the blooming tulips and nearby Mughal Gardens,” it added.
The Traffic Police have urged people to follow designated routes to avoid gridlocks.
Visitors to the Tulip Garden should take the Lal Chowk-Dalgate-Boulevard/Gupkar Road route. On their way back, they must use the Nishat-Foreshore-Habak-Dargah-Khanyar route. Residents of Harwan, Shalimar, and Nishat heading towards Lal Chowk have been advised to take the Foreshore-Hazratbal route instead of the Nishat-Boulevard road axis
Also, commuters from Gulab Bagh, Zakoora, Naseembagh, and Habak should take the 90-feet road and Ali Jan route to reach Lal Chowk instead of Foreshore Road.
Authorities have also issued a strict parking advisory urging visitors to park only at designated locations, including Botanical Garden, open land at Karpora, and LCMA Parking at Nishat. Vehicles parked on roadsides will be fined and towed away.
Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Muzaffar Ahmad Shah has also appealed for public cooperation, stating that the measures are necessary to prevent bottlenecks and ensure a smooth traffic flow during the festival.
Notably, the Tulip Festival is one of Kashmir’s most anticipated and loved spring attractions, drawing thousands of visitors each year. With traffic restrictions now in place, authorities are hopeful for an orderly and hassle-free experience for both tourists and locals