Srinagar : M. Suleman Choudhary, IGP Traffic J&K, Tuesday visited Baltal Base Camp to review the traffic management arrangements and preparedness being put in place for the smooth conduct of Amarnath Yatra.
He was accompanied by Liaqat Ali, SSP Traffic Rural Kahmir; Gulzar Ahmad, DySP Traffic Ganderbal, SHO Sonamarg and other officers/officials.
During the visit, the IGP conducted a comprehensive inspection of the designated Yatra routes, parking areas, traffic regulation points and critical junctions along the Baltal axis. He reviewed the condition of roads, assessed traffic diversion plans, parking facilities, signages, barricading arrangements and coordination mechanisms established for efficient traffic regulation during the Yatra period.
The officer emphasized the importance of maintaining seamless and hassle-free movement of Yatris, particularly through sensitive and high-altitude stretches. He directed the 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, M Suleman Choudhary 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.
The IGP issued key directions to the concerned officers. He stressed that Recovery cranes and breakdown assistance teams shall remain deployed at identified vulnerable stretches prone to congestion or vehicle breakdowns.
He directed for dedicated parking facilities for LMVs, HMVs, service vehicles and Yatra-related transport shall be properly demarcated and managed with adequate signage. He stressed for separate corridors for emergency and essential service vehicles shall be maintained to facilitate swift movement during exigencies.
He also stressed for daily briefing and debriefing sessions to be conducted with field staff to review operational performance and address emerging challenges. Special attention shall be paid to balancing the movement of Yatris, tourists and local commuters to ensure smooth traffic flow for all road users.
The IGP emphasized close coordination be maintained 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 should be continuously monitored and utilized for mid-course corrections wherever necessary
