Srinagar, May 05: In a major move to safeguard the health and well-being of pilgrims during the upcoming 52-day-long Shri Amarnathji Yatra, the Health Department of Kashmir has announced the establishment of 55 medical stations along the pilgrimage routes. This includes six fully equipped base hospitals, aimed at reducing mortality and morbidity during the high-altitude spiritual journey, scheduled to commence in July.
Officials from the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) said the medical infrastructure will be deployed along both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. The planned facilities comprise six Base Hospitals, eleven Medical Aid Centres (MACs), twelve Emergency Aid Centres (EACs), and twenty-six oxygen booths. The oxygen booths, which include mobile units and pony-based ambulance-type systems, will be strategically located along steep and challenging stretches of the route.
The base hospitals will be located at Baltal, Chandanwari, Sheshnag, Panjtarni, Lower Cave, and the Holy Cave. These facilities will be equipped with ICU beds, ventilators, and other essential critical care infrastructure. To further enhance capacity, ten additional beds are planned at Panjtarni.
To support emergency response and patient transport, twenty-one ambulances will be deployed, including eight fully equipped Critical Care Ambulances. Fifteen more ambulances will be on standby. In addition, all en route health facilities—such as District Hospitals, Community Health Centres (CHCs), and Primary Health Centres (PHCs)—will be kept on high alert for emergency response throughout the duration of the Yatra.
In terms of manpower, DHSK will deploy a total of 1,415 healthcare personnel across three shifts. This includes 173 specialists such as cardiologists, physicians, and orthopedic surgeons, 244 medical officers, and 998 paramedics. Training has already been imparted to healthcare workers in high-altitude medicine, equipment handling, and emergency response. The training sessions were held at RIHFW Dhobiwan, Baltal, and Chandanwari, while an online module is being developed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in coordination with DHSK for staff arriving from other states.
Preliminary coordination meetings have been conducted with the MoHFW, and requests for additional support have been sent to various state governments. A high-level conclave with state health officials is expected to take place in Srinagar during April–May to finalize logistics and manpower deployment. To accommodate medical staff, approximately 350 residential beds will be arranged at key locations along the route.
The DHSK also plans to establish telemedicine units at Panjtarni and Baltal to provide remote consultations via ISRO’s satellite network. A proposal is under consideration to set up a third unit at Sheshnag, pending ISRO’s approval. All medical stations will be connected to a Central Control Room at DHSK headquarters through CCTV monitoring with audio and video feed. This will allow real-time coordination, supervision, and medical intervention when necessary.
To further bolster emergency preparedness, DHSK is evaluating the induction of All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) ambulances capable of navigating difficult terrains. Consultations are underway with manufacturers to explore the feasibility and logistics of this addition.
Advisories for pilgrims:
As per guidelines on the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) portal, no registered pilgrim will be allowed to undertake the Yatra without an RFID card. This system ensures safety, real-time tracking, and efficient management of all pilgrims throughout the journey.
Pilgrims are advised not to ignore any symptoms of high-altitude illness, as the journey involves trekking through elevated and often challenging terrain. Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and smoking, as these can worsen altitude-related symptoms.
Slippers are strictly discouraged; instead, yatris must wear proper trekking shoes with laces to navigate the steep inclines and declines on the route to the Holy Cave.
It is important not to stop at places marked with warning signs and never attempt shortcuts, as these can be dangerous. Pilgrims must respect the environment by avoiding any actions that could cause pollution.
The use of plastic is strictly banned in the state and is a punishable offense. Maintaining the sanctity and cleanliness of the Yatra area is a shared responsibility.
