Accident cover for Amarnath pilgrims, service providers doubled to Rs 10 lakh
Pratham Pooja for the 2026 Yatra to be performed on June 29
The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), during its 50th Board meeting held today, approved an enhancement of the accidental insurance cover for registered yatris, service providers, officials, seasonal workers and pujaris from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
The Board also approved the setting up of a laser and sound show dedicated to the holy shrine, to be hosted in both Srinagar and Jammu. The show will serve as a cultural beacon, showcasing the rich spiritual heritage of the Union Territory.
Announcing key dates for the upcoming pilgrimage, the Board stated that the ‘Pratham Pooja’ for the 2026 Yatra will be performed on June 29, 2026, on the occasion of ‘Jyeshtha Purnima’. The formal commencement date of the Yatra will be finalised shortly.
The meeting was chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the Chairman of the SASB. The Board approved several measures aimed at enhancing the spiritual experience and convenience of devotees during the 2026 Yatra. It also reviewed and approved various welfare initiatives for SASB employees.
The Lieutenant Governor directed officials to identify suitable locations for installing toilet facilities along the Yatra route. He also instructed the installation of shelter sheds and rain shelters along the tracks for pilgrims, service providers and security personnel.
The Board discussed ongoing projects and arrangements, including dissemination of Yatra-related information, insurance coverage for ponies, extension of online and pre-paid services, registration of pilgrims, disaster preparedness and mitigation measures, medical facilities, langar and volunteer services, telecommunication, grid connectivity, weather forecasting infrastructure, security and surveillance measures.
Additionally, discussions covered the implementation of a digital pre-paid system for hiring services, installation of crash barriers and safety railings along vulnerable stretches on both routes, and the progress of various works undertaken by different departments.
Reviewing the maintenance, restoration and development of Yatra tracks by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the Board was informed that significant progress has been made, with comfortable track widths achieved on both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes.
Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, delivered a detailed presentation on the arrangements for the upcoming Yatra.
Lakhs of pilgrims from across the country annually visit the 3,880-metre high holy cave shrine of Amarnath, housing the naturally formed ice shivlingam.
The Yatra takes place from twin routes-the traditional 48 km route from Pahalgam in Anantnag, and the 14 km shorter but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
