From July 5 to Aug 5 vehicles with registration numbers ending in odd digits will be allowed on odd calendar dates; cars with registration numbers ending in even digits will be permitted on even calendar dates
Waris Fayaz
Srinagar, Jun 30 :
The Gulmarg Development Authority has ordered the implementation of an odd even traffic regulation system for four wheeler private and commercial vehicles entering Gulmarg on a pilot basis from July 5 to August 5, 2026, in a bid to reduce congestion and improve environmental conditions in the hill resort.
As per the GDA order issued, a copy of which lies within the possession of news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), entry of all four wheeled motor vehicles into Gulmarg will be regulated on the basis of the last digit of their registration number.
Vehicles with registration numbers ending in odd digits, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9, will be allowed to enter Gulmarg only on odd calendar dates. Vehicles with registration numbers ending in even digits, 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8, will be permitted entry only on even calendar dates.
It states that the decision has been taken in view of the unprecedented increase in vehicular traffic, which has led to traffic congestion, deterioration in ambient air quality, excessive noise, pressure on road infrastructure, obstruction to emergency services and adverse impacts on the fragile alpine ecosystem.
The restrictions will remain in force daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. However, freight and goods carrying vehicles have been exempted from the regulation.
The pilot project will remain in effect from July 5 to August 5, during which authorities will assess its impact on traffic management, environmental quality and visitor convenience in coordination with the Police, Traffic Police and other concerned departments.
It further said the Traffic Police, Civil Police, Motor Vehicles Department and other enforcement agencies have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the order.
The authority said the measures may be reviewed, modified, extended or withdrawn after evaluating the findings of the pilot project and recommendations of the concerned departments.
The order noted that Gulmarg is an ecologically fragile, high altitude hill resort of immense environmental, ecological and tourism significance, and said the restrictions are intended to promote environmental conservation, sustainable tourism, public safety and efficient traffic management while helping formulate a long-term sustainable mobility framework for the destination—(KNO)