NHAI takes stock of preparedness to ensure smooth yatra

New Delhi, July 01: To expedite preparedness and ensure smooth travel experience for the pilgrims of the upcoming ‘Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025’, a review meeting through Video Conferencing was held today by NHAI with the officials from state administration. Detailed reviews were held of all stretches of 228 km long Jammu – Srinagar section of NH-44 that falls on the Yatra route.As per a statement issued here,  the meeting aimed to review preparedness related to riding surface, lane markings, approaches to structures like viaduct, bridges and tunnels, installing road safety measures as well as deployment of dedicated Quick Response Teams with sufficient manpower and machines to mitigate situations arising due to adverse weather conditions in the region during yatra.The initiative was led by NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav. Alok Deepankar, Member (Technical) NHAI; Bhupinder Kumar, Secretary PWD, Government of J&K, Shokit Mattoo ACR Ramban, R.S. Yadav Regional Officer J& K, along with other field officers of NHAI from Jammu and Kashmir also attended the meeting.Addressing the meeting, NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav emphasised that the comfort and safety of both devotees and commuters should be the utmost priority. He also directed NHAI officials to work in close coordination with local administrations and provide prompt support for the yatra preparedness.Alok Deepankar, Member (Technical), NHAI instructed NHAI field offices to ensure adequate deployment of manpower and machinery to manage any eventuality due to bad weather such as flash floods or landslides. He also directed officials to expedite work on the under-construction sections and ensure proper road surfaces, lane marking for the safety and security of the pilgrims and other commuters.As a part of the preparations, NHAI contributed a fleet of ambulances for hospitals in Ramban & Anantnag districts. Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha flagged off the ambulances for public service. The preparedness review meeting reflected the spirit of cooperation between various government agencies, showcasing NHAI’s commitment to facilitating a smooth, safe and hassle-free Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra for devotees.