Shri Amarnath Yatra 2026 preparations finalized at Nowgam and Pantha Chowk

SRINAGAR, JULY 01 — Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Wednesday inspected the arrangements for the Amarnath Ji Yatra during an extensive visit to the Yatra Facilitation Centre at Nowgam Railway Station and the Yatra Transit Camp and Yatri Niwas at Pantha Chowk.

Deputy Commissioner Budgam Athar Aamir and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo accompanied him to review the respective facilities.During the visit, Garg inspected accommodation, sanitation facilities, drinking water supply, and RFID and eKYC counters. He directed officials to install adequate signage to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims.

Garg told the media that comprehensive arrangements are in place for a safe stay, noting that nearly four lakh pilgrims have registered online so far, marking an increase from last year.The annual pilgrimage will run from July 3 to August 28, with expectations of higher turnout given this year’s strong tourist footfall. Additional RFID and eKYC counters have been set up at Nowgam Railway Station and Srinagar Airport to handle the rush.

The pilgrimage will use a convoy system from Jammu under strict security protocols, and the cut-off timings have already been publicized for better awareness.Priority for RFID cards will go to online registrants, though on-the-spot registration counters are available at Pantha Chowk and base camps, subject to quotas and camp capacity.

To manage the challenging terrain, weather advisories from the India Meteorological Department will display on digital screens. Mountain rescue teams, the National Disaster Response Force, and the State Disaster Response Force are also deployed for emergencies.