11.6 kms project to significantly reduce travel time
Jammu, Jan 29: The Central Government has decided to link 18 religious and tourist destinations with ropeways including the holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnath Ji in South Kashmir Himalayas where 45 to 60 days pilgrimage is held annually between June to August and pilgrims had to undertake either 38 kilometres long Pahalgam track or shorter but tough 13 kilometres Baltal route for darshan of Ice Lingam of Lord Shiva.
With ropeway in place, duration of the annual pilgrimage can also be extended and it will also lead to rush of the yatris as presently many people are unable to undertake the yatra due to extreme tough terrain.
Officials told the Excelsior that among 18 major ropeways proposed, the ropeway connecting Shri Amarnath Ji cave shrine from Baltal in Ganderbal district of Kashmir, will be the largest, stretching over 11.6 kilometres.
The project will offer cost-effective alternative for Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrims. Presently, the pilgrims either trek to the cave shrine or have to undertake yatra through helicopter services which are available from both Pahalgam and Baltal tracks. Besides, mules, palkis etc are also available for those who prefer not to trek.
The ropeway will not only significantly reduce travel time, it will also make the pilgrimage smooth and comfortable and will attract more pilgrims to the holy cave shrine of Lord Shiva as many people are unable to visit due to tough track and expensive air tickets.
The Government, according to officials, has sought proposals from the Consultants for all 18 major religious and tourist destinations including Shri Amarnath Ji cave shrine. The Consultants will prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs).
The new ropeway will also allow visitors to enjoy views of the surrounding landscape. This project is expected to ease the journey for a wider range of pilgrims, including children, the elderly, and those with mobility issues, making the annual Amarnath Yatra more accessible to thousands of devotees.
In 2024, the Amarnath yatra commenced on June 29 and concluded on August 19, spanning 52 days. The pilgrimage attracted over 350,000 registered pilgrims, marking a significant increase from the previous year.
