Srinagar, Jul 02 (KNO): The Amarnath Yatra 2026 formally commenced on Thursday with the first batch of 4,822 pilgrims entering Kashmir after being flagged off by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu amid unprecedented multi-layered security arrangements.
Officials told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the convoy, comprising 259 vehicles, departed from Jammu early Thursday morning and entered the Valley through the Navyug Tunnel in Qazigund before proceeding towards the twin base camps at Baltal in Ganderbal and Nunwan in Pahalgam.
Official figures accessed by KNO revealed that 2,510 pilgrims are travelling through the traditional 48-kilometre Pahalgam route, while 2,312 have opted for the shorter but steeper 14-kilometre Baltal route. The first batch comprises 3,707 male pilgrims, 816 female pilgrims, 16 children, 246 sadhus and 37 sadhvis.
The convoy included 106 buses, 39 medium motor vehicles (MMVs), 111 light motor vehicles (LMVs) and three two-wheelers. Officials said the Baltal-bound convoy left Bhagwati Nagar at 6:10 a.m., while the Pahalgam-bound convoy departed at 6:35 a.m., both under heavy security escort.
Flagging off the Yatra, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extended his best wishes to the pilgrims and said elaborate arrangements have been made by all departments to ensure a safe, smooth and hassle-free pilgrimage.
He said adequate security, healthcare, accommodation, sanitation, drinking water, power supply and other essential facilities have been put in place in coordination with all stakeholder agencies. “Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is a sacred path where devotion meets spiritual awakening. I wish all devotees a safe, comfortable, blissful and spiritually fulfilling journey. May this holy pilgrimage bring immense joy and divine peace to all,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
PILGRIMS ACCORDED WARM WELCOME IN KASHMIR
As the convoy entered the Valley through the Navyug Tunnel in Qazigund, the pilgrims were accorded a warm and traditional welcome by the District Administration Kulgam led by Deputy Commissioner Shahzad Alam, senior police officers and local residents.
The reception was marked by showering of flowers and traditional greetings, symbolising the Valley's age-old tradition of welcoming the annual pilgrimage.
The convoy later passed through Srinagar, where another reception was organised by the District Administration at Panthachowk Bypass.
Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo and Senior Superintendent of Police Sundeep Chakravarthy welcomed the pilgrims and reviewed the arrangements made for their convenience.
The officers, along with local residents, extended their best wishes to the yatris and prayed for the safe, smooth and peaceful conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
The Pahalgam-bound pilgrims later reached the Nunwan Base Camp in Anantnag district, where they were warmly received by Deputy Commissioner and Yatra Officer Dr Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Senior Superintendent of Police Amod Ashok Nagpure, Camp Director Atul Kumar, senior civil and police officers and representatives of socio-religious organisations.
The officers interacted with the devotees and assured them that all arrangements had been made for their stay and onward journey to the holy cave shrine.
Officials said elaborate arrangements have been put in place at both Baltal and Nunwan base camps and all along the Yatra route, including accommodation, healthcare, transportation, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, communication facilities and langars.
Authorities have also established facilitation centres where essential items, including SIM cards, warm clothing, trekking gear and footwear, are available for the convenience of pilgrims.
AMARNATH YATRA WITNESSING TECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN SECURITY DEPLOYMENTS THIS YEAR
This year's Amarnath Yatra is also witnessing one of the most technology-driven security deployments in recent years, blending traditional security measures with advanced surveillance and digital monitoring systems.
Officials said nearly 670 additional companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed across Jammu and Kashmir to strengthen the security grid along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, both pilgrimage routes, base camps and other vulnerable locations.
Authorities have intensified aerial surveillance through drones at key transit points, highways, base camps and sensitive areas, while AI-assisted monitoring systems are being used for crowd management, movement analysis and real-time response coordination.
Pilgrims are being monitored through Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, enabling authorities to track their movement in real time and improve emergency response during adverse weather conditions or medical emergencies.
To further streamline the pilgrimage, Jammu and Kashmir Police has launched the 'PEHCHAAN' mobile application, providing pilgrims with real-time information, emergency assistance and other essential services aimed at ensuring a digitally connected and hassle-free Yatra experience.
Authorities have also deployed 30 Mountain Rescue Teams (MRTs) across the Baltal and Nunwan-Pahalgam routes. Equipped with specialised mountaineering equipment, medical supplies and communication systems, the teams will remain stationed at vulnerable locations to respond swiftly to accidents, weather-related incidents and health emergencies.
Meanwhile, helicopter services for the pilgrimage have been suspended this year as part of enhanced security measures, with all pilgrims undertaking the journey by road to the respective base camps before commencing the trek.
Officials said the multi-layered security architecture has been designed through close coordination among the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces, Army, intelligence agencies and the civil administration to ensure the safe and peaceful conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
The annual Amarnath Yatra will formally begin from the twin routes of Pahalgam and Baltal on July 3 and is scheduled to continue for 57 days—(KNO)