BRO Enhances Amarnath Yatra Infrastructure with Safer Pilgrimage Routes
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has significantly upgraded the infrastructure for the annual Amarnath Yatra by widening key pilgrimage pathways in Jammu and Kashmir. The Director General of BRO, Lieutenant General Raghu Srinivasan, announced on Sunday that the paths along the primary routes of Chandanwari and Baltal have been expanded from their initial 3-4 feet width to a more secure 12 feet.
Lt Gen Srinivasan, in a conversation with ANI, expressed his gratitude for being given the responsibility of this project, describing it as an honor to contribute to a mission of such spiritual significance. "We are very fortunate and blessed as the BRO to be associated with projects involving religious destinations in the extreme parts of our northern borders," he stated.
He further mentioned that the BRO was charged with enhancing a total stretch of 45 kilometers, employing careful technical approaches to preserve the geological conditions and ecological sensitivities of the region. "Considering the extreme religious significance of this location, extreme care has been taken to ensure that the ecological balance was not disturbed," he emphasized.
To enhance safety, the BRO has also installed handrails along 32 kilometers of the route to aid pilgrims as they navigate the difficult terrain.
Pilgrims have expressed satisfaction with the improved arrangements and increased security measures, particularly along the Pahalgam route, noting that they feel secure and supported on their journey to the Holy Cave of Shri Amarnath Ji.
In related remarks, Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated on Saturday that approximately 26,000 to 27,000 pilgrims have already participated in the Yatra this year. He dismissed concerns that a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam would deter pilgrims. According to him, the high turnout is indicative of the strong public confidence in the government's security and logistical measures under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
