Thousands of passengers, including tourists, were stranded on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway on Wednesday after authorities stopped Jammu-bound vehicles near the Navyug tunnel in Kulgam district. The stoppage caused long queues of vehicles stretching from the Navyug tunnel to Mir Bazar in Kulgam, leaving many travelers stuck for hours.
Reason for the halt
Though traffic authorities did not disclose the specific reason for the prolonged halt, such stoppages are routine in the morning on this stretch to facilitate the movement of Amarnath yatra convoys. The annual Amarnath Yatra, which draws thousands of pilgrims, often leads to traffic regulations on the highway to ensure safe passage for the convoys.
“Efforts are being made to resolve the issue at the earliest and restore traffic on the highway,” traffic authorities said. The statement provided little detail on the expected duration of the halt, leaving passengers uncertain.
Impact on passengers
The sudden stoppage left thousands of passengers, including tourists and locals, stranded in their vehicles along the highway. Many were traveling to Jammu for work or personal reasons, while tourists heading to the Kashmir valley were also affected. The lack of immediate information from authorities added to the frustration.
Long queues of vehicles were reported from the Navyug tunnel to Mir Bazar, a distance of several kilometers. Passengers were seen waiting in their cars, buses, and trucks, with limited access to food, water, or restroom facilities. The situation highlighted the vulnerability of travelers on this key highway during the yatra season.
Traffic management challenges
The Jammu-Srinagar national highway is a vital artery connecting the Kashmir valley with the rest of India. During the Amarnath Yatra period, the highway witnesses increased traffic, requiring careful management to balance the movement of pilgrims, locals, and tourists. Authorities often implement staggered traffic schedules, with Jammu-bound vehicles stopped in the morning to allow yatra convoys to pass.
However, such measures can lead to significant delays and discomfort for other travelers, as seen on Wednesday. The lack of timely communication from traffic authorities exacerbated the situation, leaving passengers without clear guidance on when the road would reopen.
According to sources, the stoppage was likely part of the standard protocol to ensure the safety of Amarnath Yatra convoys, which have been targeted in the past. The yatra, which typically runs for several weeks, requires heightened security and traffic management.
Broader implications
The incident underscores the challenges of managing traffic on a highway that serves multiple purposes: pilgrimage, tourism, and daily commutes. The Amarnath Yatra, one of the most significant Hindu pilgrimages, attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees annually, putting strain on infrastructure and local resources.
While the stoppage caused inconvenience, it also highlighted the need for better communication and alternative arrangements for stranded passengers. Traffic authorities have not announced any changes to the current protocol, but the incident may prompt discussions on improving traffic management during the yatra season.
