AMARNATH YATRA UPDATE: Govt imposes blanket ban on individual pilgrim travel

Every pilgrim will be issued an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) card at designated reception centres.

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, JUNE 27 (STC):
Amarnath Yatra pilgrims won’t be allowed solo travel and the authorities have made it mandatory for them to move strictly within government-monitored security convoys.
Inspector General of Police (Traffic), BS Tootti, announced that from July 1 onwards, all Yatra-related movement will adhere to a special traffic advisory. The directive includes a blanket ban on individual pilgrim travel. National Highway-44, spanning from Lakhanpur to Jammu, will remain under enhanced security, with multiple points fitted with high-resolution CCTV surveillance. Pilgrims have been urged to avoid traveling alone and comply fully with the convoy system.
Every pilgrim will be issued an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) card at designated reception centres. These digital trackers will help authorities monitor pilgrim movement in real time. Additionally, Road Opening Parties (ROPs) will oversee each vehicle’s movement, aiming to ensure immediate response in emergencies and streamlined coordination along the Yatra route.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, told reporters that over 500,000 pilgrims are expected to participate this year. “We have strengthened our infrastructure significantly. A total of 106 shelter centres are ready to host up to 50,000 pilgrims, with modern lodging, free meals, and medical facilities,” he said.
Meanwhile, offline registration will commence on June 30 at the Bhagwatinagar Base Camp, with pilgrims required to produce medical fitness certificates. Five special centres have been set up to issue RFID cards. Deployment of support staff and security personnel has been ensured at 180 key locations to assist pilgrims at every step of the journey.
Importantly, rail-based travel has been prohibited for all Yatra pilgrims this year. The entire pilgrimage must be undertaken via road, strictly in accordance with the regulated convoy system. Separate travel guidelines have also been released for the Budha Amarnath Yatra.
(STC)