Jammu: The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra has witnessed a significant rise in pilgrim turnout this year, with over 1.42 lakh devotees paying obeisance at the holy cave shrine during the first six days of the pilgrimage—an increase of nearly 28 per cent over the corresponding period last year.
According to official figures, 1,42,861 pilgrims had performed darshan till 7 pm on Wednesday, compared to 1,11,975 pilgrims during the first six days of the 2025 Yatra. The increase of 30,886 pilgrims reflects growing enthusiasm among devotees despite challenging weather conditions and heightened security arrangements.
On Wednesday alone, 29,047 pilgrims visited the holy cave shrine, including 18,362 men, 9,737 women, 404 children, 181 sadhus, 13 sadhvis, 11 transgender devotees and 339 security personnel.
The pilgrimage also recorded its largest-ever single-day departure from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu, with 9,837 pilgrims leaving for the twin base camps of Pahalgam and Baltal in the seventh batch.
Officials said the convoy comprised 361 vehicles, including 188 vehicles carrying 5,337 pilgrims via the traditional Pahalgam route and 173 vehicles carrying 4,500 pilgrims through the shorter Baltal route.
The batch included 6,684 men, 2,730 women, 21 children, 320 sadhus, 80 sadhvis and two transgender devotees.
A heavy rush of devotees was witnessed at Bhagwati Nagar from the early hours as pilgrims from different parts of the country assembled to undertake the annual pilgrimage.
Meanwhile, the naturally formed ice Shivling inside the holy cave shrine has shrunk considerably compared to its size at the beginning of the Yatra, prompting many devotees to hasten their journey to the shrine for an early darshan.
The 57-day pilgrimage, which commenced on July 3, will conclude on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan. The Yatra is being conducted under a multi-layered security arrangement involving the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, CAPFs and civil administration.
Railways strengthen arrangements
To facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims, the Northern Railway has enhanced security and passenger amenities at the Jammu Railway Station.
Officials said senior railway officers are monitoring arrangements round the clock, while personnel from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) have been deployed across the station premises.
The station is under 24-hour CCTV surveillance, with help desks, information centres, additional drinking water facilities, sanitation staff and a round-the-clock first-aid centre established for pilgrims.
Passengers are also being updated about train operations through public announcements and SMS alerts.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu, Uchit Singhal, said the Railways are committed to ensuring every pilgrim completes the journey safely and comfortably.
