4,822 pilgrims arrive
670 CAPF companies deployed
Advanced security, AI monitoring in place
Srinagar: The 2026 Amarnath Yatra officially kicked off on Thursday, with the first group of 4,822 pilgrims leaving Jammu for Kashmir amid tight security. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the convoy from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas, wishing the devotees a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey.
The pilgrims traveled in a convoy of 259 vehicles, passing through the Navyug Tunnel in Qazigund before reaching their respective base camps at Baltal in Ganderbal and Nunwan in Pahalgam. Of these, 2,510 pilgrims chose the traditional 48-kilometer route to Pahalgam, while 2,312 opted for the shorter, more challenging 14-kilometer Baltal route. The group included men, women, children, sadhus, and sadhvis, with over a hundred buses and other vehicles escorting them.
Sinha said that the pilgrimage is a sacred journey where faith meets spiritual awakening. He assured that comprehensive arrangements had been made, including security, healthcare, accommodations, sanitation, water, and power supplies, to ensure a smooth pilgrimage. He expressed his wishes for a safe, peaceful, and spiritually enriching experience for all.
As the convoy entered Kashmir through the Navyug Tunnel, local officials and residents warmly welcomed the pilgrims with flowers and traditional greetings, continuing the Valley’s long-standing tradition of hospitality. Similar receptions were held in Srinagar and at the Nunwan Base Camp in Anantnag, where authorities interacted with devotees and reassured them that all necessary facilities were in place.
This year, the Yatra features one of the most sophisticated security setups to date. Over 670 additional paramilitary forces have been deployed across Jammu and Kashmir to bolster security along the routes and base camps. Advanced surveillance such as drones, AI-powered crowd management systems, and RFID tags to track pilgrim movement are being employed to ensure safety and quick response during emergencies.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched the ‘PEHCHAAN’ mobile app, offering pilgrims real-time updates, emergency contacts, and essential services. To help respond swiftly to any incidents, 30 Mountain Rescue Teams are stationed along the routes, equipped with specialized gear and communication systems.
Notably, helicopter services have been suspended this year; pilgrims will travel by road to their respective camps before commencing the trek to the shrine.
The pilgrimage will run from July 3 for a duration of 57 days. Authorities remain committed to facilitating a secure, peaceful, and spiritually enriching experience for all devotees participating in this revered journey.