Srinagar, July 5, 2025 – The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), in collaboration with Engineers India Limited (EIL), has demonstrated unparalleled resolve in supporting the 2025 Amarnath Yatra by constructing critical infrastructure in the rugged terrains of Jammu & Kashmir. Facing steep paths, sub-zero temperatures, limited access, and fragile Himalayan terrain, ONGC’s efforts have resulted in resilient facilities to ensure safety and comfort for over 500,000 pilgrims annually, while also serving local communities year-round.The newly inaugurated Yatri Niwas and Disaster Management Complex at Baltal, spanning 6,315 square meters, was formally opened on July 4, 2025, by Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri (virtually) and Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, in the presence of ONGC Chairman and CEO Arun Kumar Singh. The complex includes a Yatri Niwas, VIP guest house, security infrastructure, and state-of-the-art disaster-response facilities, accommodating up to 800 pilgrims. This marks a significant milestone in enhancing the pilgrimage experience along the 14-km Baltal route to the 3,880-meter-high Amarnath cave shrine.
Construction in Jammu & Kashmir presents formidable challenges. Extreme winter conditions from October to March limit the fair-weather window, while security-related disruptions and an exodus of non-local laborers further complicate efforts. Despite these obstacles, ONGC’s expertise in navigating logistical constraints ensured the timely completion of the Baltal complex, showcasing their ability to deliver under demanding conditions.
ONGC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, with an investment of ₹240 crore, extends beyond Baltal to include ongoing projects at Nunwan (8,500 sqm) and Bijbehara (7,640 sqm), both slated for completion by September 2025, and a fourth facility at Sidhra, Jammu, targeted for September 2026. These complexes, operated by the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, provide lodging, sanitation, and emergency support, benefiting both pilgrims and local residents. Additionally, ONGC’s 2024 initiative delivered permanent 100-bed hospitals with ICUs at Baltal and Chandanwari, replacing temporary medical camps and serving as year-round Primary Health Centres.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized, “Safe and adequate accommodation for all devotees is our top priority. We are creating better facilities for pilgrims while securing the livelihood of local people and service providers.” The infrastructure upgrades, including widened tracks, safety railings, and grid-powered illumination, enhance safety and enable 24×7 monitoring.
The 38-day Amarnath Yatra, which began on July 3, 2025, has already seen over 26,000 devotees visit the sacred ice Shivling, with 350,000 registered pilgrims. Enhanced security, including 580 companies of Central Armed Police Forces, RFID tracking, and a facial recognition system along the Pahalgam route, ensures a secure pilgrimage despite recent challenges like the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.
ONGC’s commitment reflects its motto: Energy for the Nation. Care for Its People. By overcoming the Himalayas’ unforgiving conditions, ONGC and EIL have laid a foundation of resilience, ensuring a safer, smoother journey for Amarnath Yatris and sustainable benefits for Jammu & Kashmir’s communities.
