Jammu, July 4: The third batch of pilgrims undertaking the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu during the early hours of Saturday under elaborate security arrangements.
According to the Joint Police Control Room (JPCR), a total of 4,812 pilgrims departed in a convoy of 259 vehicles for the twin base camps of Baltal in Ganderbal district and Nunwan (Pahalgam) in Anantnag district.
Official figures revealed that 2,041 pilgrims opted for the shorter Baltal route, while 2,771 pilgrims chose the traditional Pahalgam route. The batch comprised 3,434 male pilgrims, 966 female pilgrims, 11 children, 244 sadhus, and 157 sadhvis.
The convoy included 95 buses, 47 medium motor vehicles (MMVs), 116 light motor vehicles (LMVs), and one two-wheeler. The Baltal-bound convoy left at 3:00 am, while the Pahalgam-bound convoy departed at 3:24 am.
The Yatra is proceeding under a multi-layer security cover provided by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the CRPF, and other security agencies. Medical teams, ambulances, and escort vehicles have also been deployed to ensure the safe movement of pilgrims along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
By Saturday morning, the Baltal-bound convoy had reached the Lambar Ground langar site in Banihal for a scheduled breakfast halt, while the Pahalgam-bound convoy reached the Chanderkote langar site in Ramban. After the halt, pilgrims will continue their journey to the base camps before commencing the trek to the holy cave shrine.
The 57-day annual Amarnath Yatra commenced on July 3 and will conclude on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan. Authorities have urged motorists to follow traffic advisories during convoy movements to ensure smooth passage on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
