Udhampur District Magistrate Issues Revised Traffic Regulations to Decongest Town; New Timings for Heavy Vehicles and Four-Wheelers
UDHAMPUR, J&K — February 24, 2026 :- In a major move to streamline vehicular movement and ensure public safety, District Magistrate Udhampur, Saloni Rai (IAS), has issued a comprehensive order revising traffic regulations within the municipal limits of Udhampur town.
The decision follows substantial population growth and recurring congestion at critical junctions such as Sailan Talab Chowk, Salathia Chowk, and Ramnagar Chowk. Under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the new mandate imposes a strict ban on private four-wheelers, taxis, and light motor vehicles in the Core Market Stretch (Salathia Chowk to the back gate of District Hospital via Ramnagar Chowk) daily from 11:00 AM to 08:00 PM.
Emergency services, fire response units, and government vehicles on official duty remain exempt from these restrictions.The order also establishes rigorous entry windows for heavy vehicles, including trucks and dumpers, on key stretches like Rehambal to Jakheni and Dhar Road.
Heavy vehicles are permitted entry only between 08:00 PM and 08:00 AM during summer and 07:00 PM to 10:00 AM during winter, though those carrying essential commodities like milk, LPG, and medicines are exempt.
Furthermore, significant changes have been made to public transport; all buses for Ramnagar and adjoining areas must now originate strictly from the Old Bus Stand, while matadors operating from the Salathia Chowk stand have been relocated to the New Bus Stand.
Halting for public transport on Dhar Road is now limited to a maximum of three minutes at designated points to prevent bottlenecks.To ensure strict compliance, traffic police personnel will be deployed at high-traffic hubs, and the ARTO has been directed to demarcate specific parking bays in coordination with the PWD.
E-Rickshaws are now prohibited from plying on the National Highway (NH-44), and roadside parking on Dhar Road is strictly forbidden except in marked spaces.
District Magistrate Saloni Rai emphasized that these measures are essential to prevent unauthorized parking and ensure the smooth flow of emergency vehicles. The administration has warned that any violation of these orders will invite strict legal action, including vehicle seizure and the cancellation of route permits.