How Digdole-Panthyal Tunnel, Ramsoo Viaduct Will Boost Amarnath Yatra Connectivity

In a significant boost to road infrastructure for the Amarnath Yatra, two major projects have been completed in Jammu and Kashmir. These are the 3.5-kilometre tunnel connecting Digdole and Panthyal and the 810-metre viaduct near Ramsoo along the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. The Amarnath pilgrims will pass the highway to reach their respective destinations at the Pahalgam and Baltal base camps. The roads are scheduled to open for traffic on July 3. "These structures bypass the landslide-prone stretches of the Ramban-Banihal section, ensuring safer and more reliable all-weather connectivity as well as ease of travel..." Union Minister Jitendra Singh said. "Thanks PM Narendra Modi ji for according high priority to the convenience

of the devotees of Shri Amarnath Shrine," he added.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on completion of the two projects. He described the development as a key step towards safer, faster and more reliable connectivity.He said these key infrastructures would ensure smooth, all-weather movement for locals, tourists, freight and security forces, while ensuring a safer and seamless journey for the Amarnath pilgrims, bypassing landslide-prone stretches.

First Batch of 4,800 Amarnath Pilgrims Arrive in Kashmir

The first batch of pilgrims for the annual Amarnath Yatra received a warm welcome as they reached the Kashmir valley on Thursday. The batch of more than 4,800 pilgrims was flagged off earlier in the day by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu.The 57-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high Amarnath cave shrine is scheduled to begin on July 3 from the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The yatra will conclude on August 28.

https://youtu.be/E88vJXbRweg?si=94v1osWm-j5A3rMr

JK DGP Reviews Security, Logistical Arrangements

The Director General of Police (DGP) for Jammu and Kashmir, Nalin Prabhat, reviewed the security and logistical arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra 2026 during a visit to Lambar ground in Banihal in Ramban district on Thursday, officials said.Prabhat, accompanied by Special DGP Coordination Syed Javaid Mujtaba Geelani, IGP Jammu Zone Bhem Sein Tuti and the Inspector General of the Central Reserve Police Force, inspected the arrangements made for the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage. Officials said Prabhat expressed satisfaction with the preparedness and stressed the need for close coordination among all agencies to facilitate the smooth and secure conduct of the yatra.(With PTI inputs)