JAMMU, June 09: In a major logistical and security arrangement for the annual Amarnath Yatra, the government has hired 250 buses of Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) to ferry pilgrims between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley. The number may be scaled up depending on the volume of yatris expected to undertake the pilgrimage.
“We will provide 250 buses for the Amarnath Yatra this year. The number may increase based on the influx of pilgrims,” said JKRTC Managing Director Rakesh Sangral, speaking to Rising Kashmir.
As per official sources, 100 buses each will operate daily between Jammu and Kashmir—specifically along the routes to the twin yatra base camps at Pahalgam and Baltal. These buses will function from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu, which serves as the primary transit point for yatris.
In addition to the regular fleet, 50 buses have been designated as reserve vehicles, with 5 to 6 additional buses assigned to travel with each convoy as backup in case of mechanical issues or emergencies.
Security personnel will also travel onboard with the pilgrims, as part of the enhanced safety pro-tocols. Each bus convoy will be closely monitored, and coordination with local authorities will be ensured to maintain uninterrupted movement along the sensitive routes.
The Amarnath Yatra, which draws lakhs of pilgrims each year, is set to begin on July 3 and will continue for 52 days, concluding on August 23. The UT administration and security agencies have already begun multi-tier preparations to ensure a safe and seamless pilgrimage experience.
