The Central government has announced plans to build ropeways at 18 important religious and tourist sites across India, including a new ropeway connecting Baltal to the Amarnath shrine in Jammu and Kashmir. This proposed 11.6-kilometre ropeway aims to make it easier for pilgrims and tourists to reach the shrine.
To move forward with this project, the government is asking for proposals from consultants to create detailed project reports (DPRs). Currently, pilgrims have to trek a long way from Baltal or Pahalgam, or they can take helicopter rides, which are not always available.
The new ropeway will help reduce travel time and provide a scenic route for visitors, allowing them to enjoy beautiful views along the way. This project will be especially helpful for families, elderly people, and those with mobility issues, making the annual Amarnath Yatra more accessible to many devotees.
The Amarnath Yatra in 2024 will take place from June 29 to August 19, lasting for 52 days. Last year, over 350,000 registered pilgrims participated, showing a significant increase from the previous year. For those who want a faster journey, helicopter services are available to take them to the Panjtarni base camp, which is about 6 kilometres from the cave.
The new ropeway is expected to improve the experience for pilgrims, making their trip to the Amarnath shrine easier and more enjoyable.
