Examiner Bureau | Jammu:
The Amarnath Yatra resumed from Jammu on Sunday after authorities restored a key stretch of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway for single-lane traffic, a day after the pilgrimage was suspended due to heavy rainfall that damaged the route.
The pilgrimage had remained suspended on Saturday after incessant rain caused extensive damage to several stretches of the 250-km Jammu-Srinagar National Highway between Jhakani in Udhampur and Banihal in Ramban, forcing authorities to halt the movement of Yatra convoys.
The affected stretch near Dewal Bridge in the Samroli area of Udhampur has now been restored for single-lane traffic, enabling the Yatra convoy to proceed.
Although restoration work is still underway, officials said light motor vehicles travelling from Jammu have been permitted to use the highway. Traffic from Qazigund towards Jammu will be allowed only after the Amarnath Yatra convoy clears the affected stretch. Heavy motor vehicles will be allowed to ply on the highway on alternate days, according to the traffic police.
In view of the forecast of adverse weather over the coming days, the traffic police have advised commuters to check the latest road and traffic updates before undertaking travel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
The 57-day Amarnath Yatra, which commenced on July 3, is scheduled to conclude on August 28. So far, more than 4.5 lakh pilgrims have offered prayers at the 3,880-metre-high holy cave shrine nestled in the Kashmir Himalayas.
