Sonamarg, April 20, 2025: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), through its 122 Road Construction Company (RCC), is undertaking rigorous snow clearance operations on the Amarnath Yatra trek route at Baltal in Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir. These efforts are geared toward ensuring a safe passage for pilgrims ahead of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025 (SANJY-2025), set to take place from July 3 to August 9, 2025.
The Baltal route, a challenging 14-km trek to the Amarnath cave shrine at 3,888 meters, is a key pathway for devotees participating in the annual pilgrimage. Under Project Sanjay, the 122 RCC is working diligently to clear heavy snow along the Baltal-Domail track, making the route accessible and secure for yatries. The BRO’s operations are critical to preparing the high-altitude terrain, which faces harsh winter conditions and significant snow accumulation.
Equipped with advanced machinery and skilled personnel, the BRO is clearing snow, widening the trek route, and reinforcing pathways to accommodate the expected surge of pilgrims. The Baltal track, now expanded to 15 feet in certain sections, supports limited maintenance vehicle access while prioritizing the safety and comfort of pilgrims traveling on foot, by pony, or via palkis. These enhancements aim to reduce congestion and improve the overall pilgrimage experience.
The Amarnath Yatra, a sacred journey to the ice Shivling in the Amarnath cave, attracts lakhs of devotees annually. The Baltal route, known for its shorter but steeper ascent compared to the Pahalgam route, is favored by many pilgrims. The BRO’s snow clearance efforts are essential to ensuring the route remains navigable, particularly in the face of unpredictable weather in the Himalayan region.
Beyond snow removal, the 122 RCC is repairing critical infrastructure, including railings and pony tracks, to enhance pilgrim safety. The BRO’s work aligns with the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) guidelines, complementing preparations by the J&K administration to establish Langars, medical facilities, and oxygen stations along the route.
The ongoing operations have been widely acknowledged, with social media posts praising the BRO’s commitment to facilitating a seamless Amarnath Yatra 2025. As Sonamarg prepares to welcome devotees, the snow clearance operations underscore the BRO’s pivotal role in enabling a safe and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine.
