Traffic Police Rural Kashmir has issued a fresh travel advisory for hilly roads across the Kashmir Valley in view of a weather forecast predicting rain and snowfall over higher reaches. The advisory, issued on Sunday, comes with strict vehicle regulations, including restrictions on the Tangmarg–Gulmarg road effective from January 5, 2026, to minimise accident risks during slippery winter conditions.
Key Highlights
- Traffic Police Rural Kashmir has enforced fresh travel regulations for hilly roads across the Valley.
- From January 5, tempo travellers, PSVs, and vehicles with seating capacity above ten are barred beyond Tangmarg towards Gulmarg.
- Anti-skid chains are mandatory on several hilly stretches, subject to road openness.
Main Report
In view of a fresh weather advisory forecasting rain and snowfall over higher reaches, Traffic Police Rural Kashmir on Sunday issued a detailed travel advisory for hilly roads across the Kashmir Valley. The advisory aims to ensure road safety as winter conditions increase the risk of skidding and accidents, particularly on narrow and snow-prone mountain routes.
According to the advisory, vehicular movement on hilly roads will be permitted strictly as per prescribed cut-off timings and daily traffic plans. Motorists have been advised to confirm the latest road status and timings from the Traffic Police Control Room (TPCR) before commencing their journeys.
The advisory clearly states that no vehicle without proper anti-skid equipment will be allowed on notified hilly stretches. These routes include Tangmarg–Gulmarg, Kangan–Sonamarg and beyond, Sinthan–Kishtwar, the Pahalgam road, Mughal Road, Kupwara border roads, and the Gurez–Bandipora road, subject to these roads remaining open.
To prevent congestion at holding points, traffic police have clarified that only registered and authorised vendors will be permitted to install anti-skid chains at designated locations.
Gulmarg-Specific Restrictions
In a separate but related directive, Traffic Police Rural Kashmir announced that from January 5, 2026, tempo travellers, public service vehicles (PSVs), and vehicles with seating capacity of more than ten passengers will not be allowed beyond Tangmarg towards Gulmarg until weather and road conditions improve.
Passengers travelling to the ski resort will be required to de-board at Tangmarg and continue the remaining journey only in light motor vehicles fitted with proper anti-skid chains.
Weather Background
The India Meteorological Department’s Kashmir Division has forecast the possibility of light rain or snowfall over isolated higher reaches of north and central Kashmir on January 5 and 6. Plains are expected to remain largely dry during this period, with no major weather disturbance anticipated.
IMD has also warned of a further fall in night temperatures over the coming days, which may intensify cold conditions, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours. Residents and travellers have been advised to exercise caution due to the possibility of icy road surfaces.
Official Statements
The advisory issued by Traffic Police Rural Kashmir states that vehicular movement on hilly roads “shall be allowed strictly as per prescribed cut-off timings and traffic advisories,” and emphasises that motorists must confirm the latest status from the Traffic Police Control Room before travel.
It further stresses that “no vehicle without proper anti-skid equipment will be allowed” on designated routes and that only authorised vendors are permitted to fix anti-skid chains at designated points.
Impact on Residents and Tourists
The advisory directly affects residents of hilly areas and tourists planning visits to Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, and other high-altitude destinations. Group travellers using tempo travellers or buses may face logistical adjustments, particularly on the Gulmarg route, where transfers to smaller vehicles at Tangmarg are now mandatory.
For daily commuters and transporters using routes such as Mughal Road or Sinthan Pass, the combination of chain requirements, cut-off timings, and variable weather conditions means journeys must be planned carefully and remain flexible.
Overall, the measures aim to strike a balance between winter tourism, essential mobility, and road safety during a period when snowfall and icy conditions significantly increase travel risks.
FAQs
The advisory has been issued in view of weather forecasts predicting rain and snowfall over higher reaches and the increased risk of slippery roads during winter.
From January 5, 2026, tempo travellers, PSVs, and vehicles with seating capacity above ten are not permitted beyond Tangmarg towards Gulmarg until conditions improve.
Yes. Anti-skid chains are mandatory on several hilly roads, including Tangmarg–Gulmarg, Kangan–Sonamarg, Sinthan–Kishtwar, Pahalgam road, Mughal Road, Kupwara border roads, and Gurez–Bandipora, subject to road openness.
Travellers are advised to confirm road status and cut-off timings from the Traffic Police Control Room before starting their journey.
Disclaimer
This article is based on official traffic and weather advisories issued for Jammu and Kashmir as of January 5, 2026. Road and weather conditions may change at short notice. Readers are advised to verify the latest updates directly from Traffic Police authorities and the India Meteorological Department before travelling.
