Amarnath Yatra 2025 to Begin on July 3, LG Sinha Reviews Pilgrim Facilities in SASB Meeting
LG Manoj Sinha chairs SASB meeting, reviews infrastructure, RFID registration, and security measures for Amarnath Yatra 2025, commencing July 3 via twin routes.
Jammu, 05-03-2025: The 48th Board meeting of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) was chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan, where key decisions were taken regarding the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025. The annual pilgrimage will commence on July 3, 2025, from both the Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the Baltal route in Ganderbal district, culminating on August 9, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
The meeting was attended by prominent Board members, including Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, Shri D. C. Raina, Smt. Kailash Mehra Sadhu, Shri K. N. Rai, Shri Pitambar Lal Gupta, Dr. Shailesh Raina, and Prof. Vishwamurti Shastri. The discussions focused on enhancing pilgrim facilities and ensuring a smooth and safe journey for devotees undertaking the sacred yatra.
Recognizing the expected surge in pilgrim footfall, the Board deliberated on increasing lodgment capacity at key locations in Jammu, Srinagar, and along the yatra routes. Measures were proposed to operationalize Yatri facilitation centers for e-KYC verification, issuance of RFID cards, and on-spot registration of pilgrims at strategic locations, including Nowgam and Katra Railway Stations. The necessity of expanding these services at Baltal, Pahalgam, Nunwan, and Pantha Chowk Srinagar was also emphasized.
During the review of infrastructure development, the Lieutenant Governor stressed the importance of ensuring adequate amenities and robust arrangements along the yatra routes. He called for an expansion of lodging capacity at Yatri Niwas, Pantha Chowk, Srinagar, and urged authorities to accelerate ongoing projects related to road widening, maintenance of tracks, and decongestion of the Holy Cave and Lower Holy Cave areas.
The Board also discussed various critical aspects such as dissemination of yatra-related information, extending insurance cover for pilgrims, service providers, and ponies, as well as strengthening medical care and disaster preparedness along the route. Additionally, the provision of adequate heli services, advanced weather forecasting infrastructure, and improved security measures, including a digital prepaid system for hiring services, were thoroughly reviewed.
Expressing appreciation for the Board members’ continuous guidance and valuable contributions, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated them for their efforts in ensuring the successful conduct of the yatra.
A detailed presentation on the yatra arrangements was given by Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board. The meeting was also attended by key officials, including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Jal Shakti Department Shaleen Kabra, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Principal Secretary Home Chandraker Bharti, and other senior officers from the Union Territory administration and the Shrine Board. Several officials participated through virtual mode, ensuring a comprehensive review of all aspects related to the pilgrimage.
