Amarnath Shrine accessible by road, sparks controversy
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Amarnath Shrine accessible by road, sparks controversy

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.

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.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Products

Koemmerling opens Navi Mumbai experience centre

Koemmerling, a brand of the profine Group, has expanded its presence in the Mumbai metropolitan region with the opening of a new experience centre in Navi Mumbai and launched its Allure S46 minimal sliding door system for the Indian market.Located in CBD Belapur, the facility was inaugurated by Peter Mrosik, Owner and CEO, profine Group, along with Farid Khan, Chairman and Managing Director, profine India, and Kamal Bajaj, CEO, profine India.The company said the new centre will showcase its portfolio of uPVC and aluminium window and door systems to architects, developers and homeowners.The ina..

Next Story
Products

India's waterproofing market nears Rs 150 bn milestone

India's waterproofing industry is approaching a market size of Rs 150 billion and is expected to surpass the $2 billion milestone, according to speakers at the 2nd India International Waterproofers Conference & Expo 2026 organised by the Waterproofers Association of India (WAI) in New Delhi.The two-day event brought together more than 20 speakers, 55 international delegates and 53 exhibition booths, with discussions focusing on climate-resilient construction, advanced waterproofing technologies and international collaboration.Inaugurating the event, Durga Shanker Mishra, former Secretary, ..

Next Story
Real Estate

Dilip Buildcon Q1 FY27 Revenue at Rs 23.78 billion

Dilip Buildcon Limited reported consolidated revenue from operations of Rs 2,378 crore in Q1 FY27, along with EBITDA of Rs 429 crore and profit after tax of Rs 128 crore.Consolidated EBITDA margin stood at 18.1%, improving from 17.1% in Q4 FY26. On a standalone basis, revenue from operations was Rs 1,930 crore, EBITDA stood at Rs 199 crore and PAT was Rs 39 crore, with an EBITDA margin of 10.3%.The company’s order book stood at Rs 27,691 crore as of 30 June 2026, compared with Rs 28,830 crore as of 31 March 2026. Roads and highways accounted for 17.1% of the order book, irrigation and water ..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement