June 13, 2025, Srinagar – Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha held a high-level review meeting at Raj Bhawan in Srinagar to finalize preparations for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, set to commence on July 3, 2025. The meeting focused on ensuring robust security, seamless logistics, and enhanced facilities for the annual pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath Cave.
The 38-day Yatra, concluding on August 9, 2025, on Raksha Bandhan, will see pilgrims journeying through the Baltal and Pahalgam routes to pay obeisance to Baba Barfani. Lieutenant Governor Sinha emphasized the administration’s commitment to a safe and spiritually fulfilling experience, highlighting coordinated efforts among the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), Jammu and Kashmir Police, Indian Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and other stakeholders.
Key discussions included security arrangements, infrastructure upgrades, and pilgrim facilities. Sinha reviewed the maintenance and widening of Yatra tracks, with special attention to an alternate route from Chandanwari to Pissutop, equipped with safety handrails and improved surfacing, to be ready for 2025. He praised the BRO and SASB for their unprecedented work in ensuring safe pilgrimage routes post the 2024 Yatra
The meeting also addressed logistical aspects, such as lodgement capacity at transit camps like Pantha Chowk, e-KYC facilitation, RFID card issuance, and on-spot registration at key locations, including Nowgam and Katra railway stations. Sinha urged devotees to participate in large numbers, assuring foolproof security and improved amenities.
The review comes in the wake of heightened security concerns following the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed the deployment of 581 CAPF companies, approximately 42,000 personnel, to safeguard the Yatra, underscoring the administration’s resolve to prevent any incidents.
Lieutenant Governor Sinha recently performed the Pratham Puja at the Holy Cave on June 11, 2025, marking the ceremonial start of Yatra preparations. He became the first SASB Chairman in recent times to reach the cave via the Baltal route, inspecting track upgrades firsthand.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, Principal Secretary Home Chandraker Bharti, and representatives from the Army, CAPFs, and civil administration.
With comprehensive preparations underway, the Jammu and Kashmir administration is poised to ensure a smooth and secure Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, reinforcing its significance as a sacred journey and a symbol of communal harmony.
