Jammu-Srinagar26 minutes agoAuthor: Brijendra Sarwaria
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Presently the Himling of Baba Barfani is about 5 feet high.
Devotees going on Amarnath Yatra will be able to travel by cable car on Baltal route from 2029. The central government is preparing to start the construction of 11.6 km long ropeway project from April next year. After completion of the project, it will take 25 to 30 minutes to reach Sangam Top from Baltal instead of 5 to 8 hours.
National Highway Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) has prepared the DPR of the project. It has received the approval of the Central Government. According to sources, tenders will be issued in November-December. Construction will start from April 2027. The target is to make it operational by 2029.
The cable car will run from Domel Gate of Baltal to Sangam Top. Considering the sensitivity of the main cave and the natural ice Shivalinga, its last station will be built about 2km before the cave.
Currently one has to climb 14km on foot from Baltal to Amarnath cave. After the start of the cable car, devotees will have to go only 2-3 km on foot or by palanquin.
The first puja of Baba Barfani took place on Monday, 3 days before the start of Amarnath Yatra. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor and Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) Chairman Manoj Sinha performed the puja.
Ropeway will not be built parallel to the walking track
According to sources, the ropeway will not be built exactly parallel to the existing walkway. It will be built in a straight air line over hills and deep ravines. However, its terminals will be connected by footpaths, so that in case of any emergency, devotees can be evacuated safely.
Everything you need to know…
1. Who is preparing this project?
It is being built under the ‘Parvatmala’ scheme of the Central Government. The responsibility of construction rests with National Highway Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), the nodal agency of the Road Transport Ministry.
2. What is the estimated budget of the project?
According to the DPR, the project will cost around ₹1,200 crore. This is part of the 8 big ropeway projects worth ₹16 thousand crores to be built in the first phase in Jammu and Kashmir.
3. Will we be able to visit Amarnath cave throughout the year?
The cable car will be equipped with all-weather technology and will be able to run even in strong winds and snowfall. But in winter, the 2-3km walking path from Sangam Top to the cave remains closed due to heavy snow. Therefore, travel will be possible only in the summer season.
4. Then what will be the biggest advantage of the cable car?
The time to reach the cave from Baltal will reduce from 5-8 hours to 25-30 minutes. According to DPR, 1,500 to 2,000 devotees will be able to travel per hour. That means there will be a capacity for movement of about 20 thousand devotees in a day. At present only 10 thousand devotees are allowed to travel through Baltal route every day.
5. How many people will be able to sit in each cabin?
According to the blueprint, 30 to 50 closed cabin cable cars will be run. Each cabin will be able to accommodate 6 to 8 passengers.
6. What is the biggest challenge on the Baltal route?
The most difficult part will be Bararimark and Sangam Top. It is a challenge to erect pillars amidst strong icy winds in Bararimark. Whereas Sangam Top is an avalanche affected area, where the pillars will have to be protected from the pressure of the glacier. Apart from this, only about four months time will be available for construction from June to October every year.
Yatra starts from 3rd July, now Himling is about 5 feet high
Amarnath Yatra will start from July 3 this year through both Baltal and Pahalgam routes. The yatra will end on August 28, the day of Rakshabandhan. The journey will last for a total of 57 days.
Presently the Himling of Baba Barfani is about 5 feet high. By the time the journey begins, it is expected to be about four and a half feet tall. Last year, on the first day of the Yatra, the height of Himling was about 4 feet. For the last two years, Kashmir has been experiencing more heat than normal. This is affecting Himlinga also. Even before the journey begins, the size of Himlinga starts decreasing.
Devotees who have done on-the-spot registration for the yatra will be given tokens in Jammu from Tuesday. The process of registration of devotees taking tokens and issuing RFID cards will start from July 2.
On security high alert regarding travel…
Integrated Command and Control Center (ICCC) has been started in Jammu.
Police and medical staff in Jammu conducted mock drill in view of Amarnath Yatra.
Jammu and Kashmir security forces are checking the vehicles. Tight security has been maintained here.
Two routes for Amarnath Yatra, 57 days journey this year
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Read this news also…
First puja of Baba Barfani before Amarnath Yatra: Lieutenant Governor had darshan; Yatra starts from July 3, security trial conducted
Before the commencement of Amarnath Yatra, the first puja of Baba Barfani took place on 29th June. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor and Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) Chairman Manoj Sinha performed the puja. Read the full news…
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