The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra will commence on July 3, 2025, and conclude on August 9, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.
The pilgrimage will be conducted via both the Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
To review the preparations, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the chairman of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), chaired the 48th board meeting at Raj Bhawan on Tuesday.
The meeting focused on enhancing facilities for pilgrims and ensuring smooth conduct of the yatra.
The meeting was attended by board members, including Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, D C Raina, Kailash Mehra Sadhu, K N Rai, Pitambar Lal Gupta, Dr. Shailesh Raina and Prof. Vishwamurti Shastri, along with senior officials of the Union Territory administration and the Shrine Board.
Given the expected increase in the number of yatris, the board proposed improving lodging facilities in Jammu, Srinagar, and other locations.
Yatri facilitation centers for e-KYC, issuance of RFID cards, and on-spot registration will be set up at multiple locations, including Nowgam and Katra railway stations. Additionally, facilities at Baltal, Pahalgam, Nunwan, and Pantha Chowk in Srinagar will be upgraded.
Sinha stressed the need for adequate amenities along the route and directed officials to increase the capacity at Yatri Niwas, Pantha Chowk.
The board also reviewed ongoing projects, including track maintenance, decongestion measures at the holy cave and the introduction of digital prepaid services for hiring ponies and other services.
Disaster preparedness, medical facilities, insurance cover for pilgrims and service providers, and weather forecasting infrastructure were also discussed. Security and surveillance measures were key concerns, with officials stressing the importance of ensuring a safe pilgrimage.
Expressing gratitude to the board members for their contributions, Sinha acknowledged their role in the smooth conduct of the yatra.
