Jammu: Preparations for the 57-day Amarnath Yatra have kicked off across Jammu & Kashmir, with district administrations, security agencies and the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) mobilising logistics, accommodation and medical facilities to ensure a smooth and secure pilgrimage season beginning July 3.
This year’s Amarnath Yatra will run from July 3 to August 28, 2026 — a 57-day course concluding on Raksha Bandhan, when thousands traditionally converge at the ice lingam shrine in south Kashmir. Authorities have started setting up temporary offices, tents and support infrastructure at key base camps — Baltal and Chandanwari — in the Valley. Teams are working on arranging sanitation, drinking water, power backup, lighting and communication networks, alongside dedicated control rooms to coordinate pilgrim movement and emergency response.
“The focus this year is on improving last-mile facilities, enhancing medical response and streamlining registrations to avoid overcrowding,” a senior administration official said. “We are coordinating with civil and security agencies to ensure the yatra is conducted in an orderly manner.”
Security planning is underway with layered deployment of paramilitary forces, local police and specialised quick-response units along the routes. Surveillance measures, intelligence sharing and vehicle checks will be intensified at transit points and on approaches to the base camps. Traffic management plans are being finalised to regulate vehicular movement on NH-44 and other key corridors leading to the Baltal and Pahalgam routes.
Health services are being expanded with multi-tier medical camps, trauma centres and ambulance services at base camps and on the way to the cave shrine. Authorities are stocking essential medicines, oxygen supplies and arranging for air-evacuation options if required. Special teams will monitor weather and glacier conditions on the higher stretches, and contingency plans are in place for early closure if conditions deteriorate.
Meanwhile, 31 more langar organizations have been granted permission to set up langar for the convenience of pilgrims during the Shri Baba Amarnath Yatra. The first list on May 13 contained the names of 27 organizations. Most of the organizations are from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and other states. The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has so far granted permission to 58 langar organizations to set up langar during the yatra.
The lists released by the board on July 13th and 16th include the names of 27 and 31 organizations, respectively. Most of these langar organizations are from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and other states. Many langar organizations are still awaiting permission.
Meanwhile, in preparation for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026, Indian Army organised a comprehensive training capsule for Village Defence Groups (VDGs) from Kabbi, Gandhri, Khatter, Mughala and Bhatni villages in Ramban district along the strategically important NH-44 axis.
The training aimed at enhancing local preparedness, strengthening coordination with security forces and fostering a secure environment for the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage, which symbolizes faith, unity and national integration. The capsule included practical training on firing positions, weapon handling and fire and move drills, enabling participants to effectively respond during contingencies and assist in maintaining vigilance in their respective areas.
