SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday appealed to devotees across the country to participate in large numbers in the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, which is set to commence on July 3. Addressing a press conference at Raj Bhawan in Srinagar, the Lieutenant Governor underlined that comprehensive arrangements have been made for the safety, comfort, and spiritual fulfilment of pilgrims visiting the holy cave shrine in Kashmir.
“The security grid has been strengthened. Multi-layer security arrangements are in place. The army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and Jammu and Kashmir Police have ensured every possible measure for a safe pilgrimage,” the Lieutenant Governor said, adding that a spiritual atmosphere already pervades the base camps.
According to Sinha, the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has introduced several new pilgrim-centric facilities this year while building on the achievements of the past two years.
Among the key improvements, the Yatra tracks—traditionally narrow and steep—have been widened to approximately 12 feet, including the difficult Kalimata stretch. Safety has been enhanced with the installation of strong handrails along the entire Baltal route and more than 20 km of vulnerable stretches on the Pahalgam route. Both routes are also being equipped with improved grid power connectivity and lighting for safer and more comfortable movement.
At the holy cave itself, the traditional wooden Darshan platform has been replaced with a stainless steel structure with four aligned rows, allowing simultaneous Darshans and reducing crowding. A protective canopy has been installed over the stairs leading to the cave to shield devotees from weather extremes.
In terms of medical care, the clinical bed capacity at Panjtarni and other upper camps has been expanded, and 100-bedded hospitals are now functional along both the Baltal and Pahalgam axes. Accommodation has also been increased, with new facilities at Baltal (800 beds), Nunwan (900 beds), and Pantha Chowk (1000 beds).
A digital prepaid system for hiring services such as ponies, porters, and palanquins will be available to streamline pilgrim movement, while infrastructure like foot-over bridges, e-rickshaws, cloakrooms, and dedicated Prasad counters have been added for convenience.
Integrated Command and Control Centres have been established to monitor Yatra operations in real time, and additional deployments of police and CAPF personnel have been made at both routes and tourist locations. Vulnerable spots have been identified and are under special surveillance.
The Lieutenant Governor also appreciated the support extended by local residents and media for their role in facilitating a smooth Yatra and urged all pilgrims to travel only in designated convoys for their safety.
“This year’s Yatra is not just about spiritual journey—it is about national unity, human dignity, and the collective resolve to uphold tradition while ensuring the welfare of all who undertake this sacred path,” Sinha said.
