A fresh batch of 964 Amarnath pilgrims departed from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu for the Baltal base camp in the early hours of Tuesday, escorted by stringent security measures. The departure of the 27th batch occurred at 3.05 a.m., as reported by the Zonal Police Control Room.
The large convoy consisted of 39 vehicles, which included a mix of 21 buses, eight medium motor vehicles, and 10 light motor vehicles. Among the pilgrims were 744 men, 177 women, one child, 32 sadhus, and 10 sadhvis.
With this latest group, officials confirmed that the total number of pilgrims who have set off from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp during the ongoing Yatra has reached an impressive 1,41,712. This number indicates a healthy interest and participation in this revered pilgrimage.
On the same day, the return journey commenced for the 25th convoy of pilgrims making their way back to Jammu from the Baltal base camp. This convoy was significantly larger, with a total of 2,073 pilgrims onboard. The breakdown included 1,552 men, 461 women, 11 children, 41 sadhus, and eight sadhvis.
This return convoy traveled in a 63-vehicle fleet, which consisted of 42 heavy motor vehicles, six medium motor vehicles, 14 light motor vehicles, and one truck.
Officials assured that the annual pilgrimage continues to proceed smoothly under multi-layered security arrangements. Both upward and downward convoys are operating as scheduled, providing a safe journey for all devotees, which reflects the rigorous preparations made for the Shri Amarnath Yatra.
