Amarnath Shrine accessible by road, sparks controversy

08 Nov 2023 CW Team

Celebrating a significant achievement, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has successfully extended the road network to the revered Amarnath shrine in Jammu and Kashmir, providing motorable access to the holy cave. This development, aimed at enhancing the convenience and accessibility of the pilgrimage, involved widening the road from Dumail to the Amarnath cave through the Baltal base camp in Ganderbal district, central Kashmir. Officials confirmed the completion of this expansion, with the inaugural batch of vehicles reaching the shrine, praising the BRO for their historic accomplishment in establishing road connectivity to the Amarnath cave.

The BRO, through Project Beacon, undertook the restoration and improvement of the Amarnath Yatra tracks. They shared a video showcasing the vehicles' journey to the Amarnath cave, highlighting their remarkable feat and the historic moment when the holy cave became accessible via a motorable road.

Previously, the Baltal shrine track in Ganderbal district was maintained by the Jammu and Kashmir government's Public Works Department (PWD), and the Pahalgam shrine route in Anantnag district was managed by the Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA). In September of the previous year, the responsibility for maintenance and upgrading of the Amarnath Yatra tracks was transferred to the BRO.

However, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) criticized this development, denouncing it as a grave offense against Hindu faith. PDP spokesperson Mohit Bhan expressed his disapproval, arguing that transforming religious pilgrimages into mere picnic spots for political gains amounted to sacrilege. He emphasized the sanctity of Hinduism, rooted in the connection with nature, and warned against disregarding the lessons from past natural disasters in places like Joshimath and Kedarnath, urging caution in altering the spiritual landscape of Kashmir.

Infrastructure Urban

26 Jun 2026

PRS International marks 18 years of global advisory work

PRS International Group of Companies recently said it has strengthened its position as a sovereign-grade multinational advisory organisation, marking nearly 18 years of operations across strategic communications, institutional advisory and international cooperation. The Group, with headquarters in Washington, D.C. and New Delhi, said its work spans more than 190 countries and supports governments, multilateral institutions, investors, corporations and private clients. The organisation said its services cover government advisory, crisis management, trade and investment facilitation, nation bra..

dormakaba showcases access solutions at iDAC Chandigarh

dormakaba recently participated in iDAC Chandigarh 2026 at JW Marriott, engaging with architects, interior designers, developers, hospitality professionals and industry experts. The access solutions brand showcased a range of security and architectural products, including Mechanical Key Systems, Digital Cylinder, C Lever, Lever Handle, AIDO’s SLYNK Profiled Door System and Hotel Lock. The company said AIDO’s solutions added a design-led architectural and hospitality dimension to its presence at the event. The SLYNK Profiled Door System drew attention for supporting modern interiors where ..

Tata Power Secures Karnataka Transmission Project

Tata Power has won a power transmission project in Karnataka after emerging as the successful bidder in a tariff-based competitive bidding process run by PFC Consulting, a wholly owned subsidiary of Power Finance Corporation. The company received a Letter of Intent from PFC Consulting for a renewable energy evacuation scheme to be delivered under a Build, Own, Operate and Transfer model. The award follows a competitive selection and positions the firm to expand its transmission activities in the state. As part of the contract, Tata Power will acquire the special purpose vehicle (SPV) created f..