RFID tracking, widened tracks, power illumination, and new Chandanwari–Pissutop route upgrades aim to improve the safety and comfort of over 3.3 lakh expected pilgrims.
By Pravin Kumar
With the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, security arrangements are in full swing to ensure a safe and incident-free pilgrimage, scheduled to commence on July 3 and conclude on August 9, 2025.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who also serves as the Chairman of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), chaired a high-level meeting at Raj Bhawan in Srinagar on Friday to review the prevailing security situation and the comprehensive preparations for the 38-day pilgrimage.
The meeting, attended by senior officials from the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, civil administration, and heads of various central paramilitary forces, focused on ensuring robust security measures and seamless logistical arrangements for the yatra, which is the first major pilgrimage in the region following the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow on April 22, 2025, where 26 people, including 25 Hindu tourists and a local Muslim horse-handler, lost their lives.
Robust Security Framework in Place
Lieutenant Governor Sinha emphasized that “foolproof security arrangements” have been put in place to safeguard the pilgrims undertaking the arduous journey to the Amarnath cave shrine, located at an altitude of 13,000 feet in the Himalayas.
Tighter Vigil Along Yatra RoutesÂ
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the deployment of 581 CAPF companies specifically for the yatra. Additionally, 156 companies already stationed in Jammu and Kashmir, including 91 from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), 30 from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), 15 from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), 13 from the Border Security Force (BSF), and seven from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), will be utilized for security duties.
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According to sources, these forces will be strategically deployed to secure the twin routes of the pilgrimage—Pahalgam in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district—as well as the cave shrine itself. The CAPF personnel will handle route security, area domination, yatra escorts, and other critical duties to ensure a peaceful pilgrimage.
Elaborate security measures, including surveillance drones, sniffer dogs, signal jammers, and facial recognition systems, have been implemented along the Pahalgam route to detect potential threats and enhance safety.
The MHA has directed that the 581 CAPF companies will remain deployed until the yatra’s conclusion on August 9, after which they will be de-inducted immediately. A detailed deployment plan is being finalized in consultation with the concerned forces to ensure optimal coverage and coordination.
Watch—LG Manoj Sinha chairs meeting to review arrangements for Amarnath Yatra @OfficeOfLGJandK pic.twitter.com/HIQuiYj9KM
— KNO (@KNO_NEWS) June 13, 2025
High-Level Review at Raj Bhawan
Friday’s meeting at Raj Bhawan saw the participation of top officials, including Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Divisional Commissioner (Kashmir) V.K. Bidhuri, and senior representatives from the Army, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, and other security agencies. The discussions centered on evaluating the current security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in light of the recent Pahalgam attack, and ensuring that all arrangements are in place well before the yatra begins.
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LG Sinha commended the security forces for their recent success in “Operation Sindoor,” a counter-terrorism initiative launched on May 7, 2025, to neutralize terror camps across the Line of Control. He directed the agencies to maintain precise, intelligence-led operations to dismantle terror networks and ensure a “terror-free Jammu and Kashmir.” The Lieutenant Governor stressed the need for synergy among all forces and real-time intelligence sharing to thwart any attempts to disrupt the pilgrimage.
Enhanced Infrastructure and Pilgrim Facilities
In addition to security, the meeting reviewed the ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing pilgrim facilities. The SASB, under LG Sinha’s leadership, has prioritized the widening and upgrading of yatra tracks, with safety handrails installed on vulnerable stretches of the Pahalgam route and a new alternate route developed from Chandanwari to Pissutop. Grid-based power illumination has been introduced at Panchtarni and the Holy Cave, covering the entire Baltal route, to improve visibility and safety.
The Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) will deploy 250 buses, with 100 operating daily from Jammu to Pahalgam and Baltal, supported by high-security convoys and 50 backup buses. Digital initiatives, such as 100% E-KYC registration, RFID cards for tracking pilgrims, and a prepaid system for availing services, have been introduced to streamline operations. Over 3.31 lakh pilgrims have already registered for the yatra, indicating a significant turnout this year.
LG Sinha also emphasized disaster preparedness, medical assistance, and insurance coverage for pilgrims, service providers, and ponies. Yatri Niwas complexes at Baltal, Nunwan, Sidhra, and Bijbehara are being upgraded, with an expansion of lodging capacity at Pantha Chowk in Srinagar to accommodate the expected surge in pilgrim footfall.
Assurances Amid Security Concerns
The Pahalgam terror attack has raised apprehensions among pilgrims and stakeholders, given its proximity to one of the yatra’s key routes. However, LG Sinha reassured devotees, urging them to participate in large numbers. “The J&K Police, Army, CRPF, and other CAPFs have made foolproof security arrangements. There is no need for anyone to worry; they should come and take Baba’s blessings,” he said during the “Pratham Puja” at the cave shrine on June 11, marking the ceremonial start of the yatra.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his visit to Jammu on May 29, 2025, also reviewed the yatra’s security arrangements alongside LG Sinha, reinforcing the Centre’s commitment to a safe pilgrimage.
Spiritual Heritage
LG Sinha highlighted the Amarnath Yatra’s significance as a symbol of unity and spiritual heritage, urging the people of Jammu and Kashmir to uphold their age-old tradition of supporting and facilitating the pilgrimage. “The collaborative efforts of the administration, security forces, and volunteers will ensure a memorable and spiritually fulfilling experience for all devotees,” he said.
