Over 4,600 pilgrims have left Jammu's Bhagwati Nagar base camp in two convoys for the Kashmir Valley to perform darshan at the Amarnath cave shrine on Friday. According to the Joint Police Control Room (JPCR), a total of 4,640 pilgrims departed for the twin base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam in 171 vehicles. Of these, 1,626 left for the steeper but shorter Baltal route in 66 vehicles, while 3,014 pilgrims left for the longer but traditional Pahalgam route in 105 vehicles.
The first convoy of 66 vehicles departed at 2.42 am, while the second convoy of 105 vehicles left the base camp at around 3.11 am. The batch included 3,448 men, 1,075 women, five children, 89 sadhus, and 23 sadhvis. There were no foreign or transgender pilgrims travelling in the fresh batch, officials said.
Officials said the total number of pilgrims who have departed from Jammu for the annual pilgrimage has now reached the 109,128 mark.
After entering Ramban district via the Nashri Tunnel, the Baltal-bound pilgrims are scheduled to halt at Lambar Ground, Banihal, where breakfast and other basic facilities have been arranged.
Meanwhile, pilgrims travelling towards the Pahalgam route will stop at the Chanderkoot Langar sites in Ramban for breakfast before continuing their onward journey to south Kashmir. The administration has made all necessary arrangements, including health, medical, and convenience facilities, to ensure the smooth conduct of the Yatra.
Authorities expect a massive rush this year, with improved facilities and security arrangements. Amarnath Yatra this year has set a historic new record, crossing the 3 lakh mark in just 13 days.
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