JKSRTC to run bus from Delhi to Baltal for Amarnath pilgrims

Srinagar, May 30 (UNI) For the first time ever, the Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) will run a bus service between New Delhi and Baltal near Sonamarg, the base camp for the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath.

Transport Minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen said the SRTC would provide transport facilities to the pilgrims for the first time from New Delhi to Baltal.

Besides, the SRTC would operate special services from Jammu and Srinagar during the two-month-long pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath, commencing from June 30, he added.

Hakeem Yaseen directed the traffic police to regulate the movement of vehicles in the coordination with the Army so that pilgrims enjoy comfortable transport facilities. Sizeable number of passenger services would be made available for transportation of devotees from different destinations to Baltal, he added.

The Minister directed for regulation of transport system in such a way that traffic and movement of supplies for the Ladakh region do not get disturbed.

He asked the Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal, to fix rates for all passenger vehicles from Srinagar to Sonamarg and Baltal, for ponies and dandiwala and for transportation of essentials commodities.

Hakeem Yaseen said action would be taken against transporters found operating vehicles without permission from Srinagar to Baltal.

For smooth regulation of traffic, a booking counter would be set up at Sonamarg, he added.

The Minister said a bus terminal having a capacity of 500 vehicles would be constructed by the Tourism Department before the commencement of the pilgrimage.

Hakeem Yaseen directed the police not to allow any pilgrim to proceed toward the holy cave shrine from Baltal ahead of the commencement of pilgrimage in view of bad weather condition.

He underlined the need for close coordination between various agencies for smooth and peaceful conduct of the pilgrimage.

Meanwhile, the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (CASB), headed by Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha, has already raised some structures at Baltal while the work for erecting tents had also begun.

UNI