Expecting higher pilgrim turnout, LG orders enhanced facilities for Amarnath Yatra

As registration numbers indicate a higher pilgrim influx than previous years, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha directed officials to accelerate preparations for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026, including completion of track widening, enhancement of medical and sanitation facilities, and strengthening of disaster management mechanisms along the Baltal and Pahalgam routes.

The LG chaired a high-level meeting to review the preparedness for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026.

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He directed all departments to ensure timely completion of arrangements including infrastructure, healthcare, sanitation, connectivity, and other pilgrim centric services.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; Director General of Police, Nalin Prabhat, and other senior officers.

“Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra will begin on July 3 and conclude on August 28. Our collective goal is to ensure a safe, seamless, and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for every devotee of Baba Barfani,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Emphasizing seamless coordination, proactive planning, and strict monitoring, the Lieutenant Governor stated that this sacred pilgrimage is a national event. He instructed all stakeholders to work with utmost dedication and maintain the highest standards of efficiency and safety.

During the meeting, it was informed that a large number of pilgrims are getting registered, and the Yatra is expected to be higher as compared to that in recent Yatras.

The Lieutenant Governor, while reviewing the infrastructure works, was apprised that the tracks along both Baltal and Pahalgam routes have been widened to around 12-feet in order to make the journey comfortable, and that all the remaining works are progressing as per timelines. He directed the concerned agencies, including BRO, to ensure that both tracks are fully functional by June 25 and that crash barriers and hand railings are installed at all vulnerable points on the roads leading to the two base camps.

The Lieutenant Governor directed the concerned authorities to enhance holding capacity at key locations, increase the number of toilets and ambulances, and ensure comprehensive disaster preparedness.

Deputy Commissioners of Ganderbal and Anantnag were asked to conduct thorough inspection of the tracks, identify slippery stretches and shooting stone areas, and ensure installation of adequate warning signage at vulnerable spots.

He further directed that pitching of only high quality and aesthetic tents at various camps should be ensured, and no unauthorized tents be permitted. All service providers and pilgrims shall be required to have valid registration and RFID cards for moving on the Yatra tracks. Pony stands are to be properly fenced, and a comprehensive emergency evacuation plan is to be prepared well in advance. The Lieutenant Governor also directed telecom service providers to ensure seamless connectivity along the Yatra route.