The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has significantly enhanced infrastructure for the annual Amarnath Yatra by widening key pilgrimage tracks in Jammu and Kashmir. Director General of BRO, Lieutenant General Raghu Srinivasan, announced on Sunday that tracks on the two main routes — Chandanwari and Baltal — have been expanded from their original width of 3-4 feet to a safer 12 feet.
Speaking to ANI, Lt Gen Srinivasan expressed gratitude at being tasked with the project, calling it an honour to contribute to such a spiritually significant mission. “We are very fortunate and blessed as the BRO to be associated with projects involving religious destinations in the extreme parts of our northern borders,” he said.
He added that the BRO was entrusted with improving a total stretch of 45 kilometres and that work was executed using prudent technical methods to ensure that the geological conditions and eco-sensitivities of the region were preserved. “Considering the extreme religious significance of this location, extreme care has been taken to ensure that the ecological balance was not disturbed,” he noted.
In a major safety addition, the BRO has also installed handrails along 32 kilometres of the route to assist pilgrims navigating the challenging terrain.
Pilgrims have praised the improved arrangements and heightened security measures, especially on the Pahalgam route, stating that they feel safe and supported on their journey to the Holy Cave of Shri Amarnath Ji.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Jitendra Singh, speaking on Saturday, noted that nearly 26,000 to 27,000 pilgrims have already undertaken the Yatra this year. He dismissed any concerns that the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam would dampen the spirit of the pilgrims. The high turnout, he said, reflects strong public confidence in the government’s security and logistical efforts under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
