JKSRTC keeps 120 buses available for Amarnath pilgrims

Srinagar, June 28 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir government would press into service about 120 buses for transportation of pilgrims from various places to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath from Saturday.

Transport Minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen stated this at a high- level meeting here last evening.

He said the State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) has chalked out an elaborate action plan for transportation of pilgrims from Jammu to Pahalgam and Baltal.

Hakeem Yaseen said about 120 buses would be pressed into service for transportation of pilgrims from June 30.

For the purpose, he said the SRTC has set up round-the-clock booking counters at Maulana Azad Stadium, Tourist Reception Centre, Railway Station and the General bus stand in Jammu city.

For the return journey, bookings from Pahalgam and Baltal would start immediately, the Minister said.

Subject to weather conditions, the two-month-long annual Amarnath pilgrimage would officially commence on Vrat Purnima from June 30 to conclude on Shravan Purnima, the Raksha Bandhan day, on August 28.

According to sources, about 2000 pilgrims visit the holy cave shrine ever day from shorter Baltal and traditional Pahalgam routes ahead of the official scheduled date of commencement of pilgrimage.

The rush of pilgrims has witnessed a sharp increase during the past few days, they added.

UNI