Kargil, Apr 22: The Kargil administration on Tuesday finalised a detailed plan for the transportation of Hajj pilgrims to Srinagar, scheduling convoy departures on April 26 and 28, with a strict 9:00 AM cut-off at Minimarg to regulate movement along the high-altitude route.
Chairing a review meeting, Deputy Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, said the convoys would be flagged off at 7:00 AM from the Cooperative Fruit Processing Unit at Kharool. Pilgrims have been directed to report well in advance to avoid delays, as no vehicle will be permitted to cross Minimarg after the stipulated time.
The meeting, attended by Senior Superintendent of Police Nitin Yadav, Hajj Committee Ladakh Chairman Mohd Ali Majaz, Additional Deputy Commissioner Shabbir Hussain, and Executive Officer Zakir Hussain, focused on synchronising security, medical, and traffic arrangements for the transit.
According to the plan, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Drass, will coordinate with the Border Roads Organisation to ensure timely clearance of the route, particularly in vulnerable stretches. The Police Control Room, Kargil, will issue traffic advisories to manage vehicular flow and minimise disruptions during convoy movement.
Medical support will include the deployment of an ambulance up to Zero Point by the Chief Medical Officer, with the vehicle stationed at Minimarg until all pilgrims safely cross towards Sonamarg. Authorities said this measure is aimed at addressing emergencies in the most critical segment of the journey.
Security arrangements will involve police escort up to Baltal, along with traffic regulation within Kargil town and along the route leading to Zero Point. A Mobile Magistrate will accompany the convoy up to Zero Point to oversee adherence to protocols and respond to contingencies.
Officials said the coordinated plan is intended to ensure a smooth and orderly passage of pilgrims through the challenging terrain, where weather conditions and narrow transit windows demand strict adherence to timelines and inter-agency coordination.
