The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has recently achieved a significant milestone in its road infrastructure projects. The organisation has successfully finished the construction of a motorable road connecting the Amarnath cave shrine in Kashmir’s Lidder Valley with the Baltal base camp. This accomplishment is a result of the steady upgrade of the Baltal road, a project carried out by Project Beacon, BRO’s oldest venture.
Understanding Project Beacon
Project Beacon is a long-standing initiative of the Border Roads Organisation that was raised on May 18, 1960. The headquarters of this project are located at Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Currently, Project Beacon is responsible for the development and maintenance of essential road infrastructure in various critical areas of Kashmir.
About the Amarnath Cave Shrine
The Amarnath Cave Shrine is one of the most significant religious sites in Jammu and Kashmir. Nestled in the picturesque mountains of Pahalgam tehsil in the Anantnag district, the temple is situated inside a cave at the southern section of the Amarnath mountain. The cave’s high altitude of 3,800 metres further adds to the challenging nature of the pilgrimage undertaken every year.
The shrine lies near the Amarnath Peak, which is part of the majestic Himalayas. This mountain, located in the Ganderbal district, reaches a peak height of 5,186 meters and is close to Sonamarg.
The Importance of Amarnath Yatra
The annual Amarnath Yatra is a pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave where Hindu devotees honor an ice stalagmite believed to represent the lingam of Lord Shiva. This ice stalagmite forms each summer and reaches its maximum size in July and August. These months see thousands of devotees undertake a pilgrimage to the cave to pay their respects.
Traditional Access Routes to the Shrine
Traditionally, pilgrims had two routes to reach the shrine, both located in Lidder Valley – through Pahalgam and Sonamarg. Both paths offered unique challenges due to their demanding terrains. Additionally, chopper services were available from Baltal to Panchtarni, which is a 6 km distance from the shrine. However, due to ecological concerns, these helicopter services have been discontinued.
With the completion of the new motorable road by the BRO, the journey to the Amarnath cave shrine has become more accessible and comfortable for devotees. This development marks a considerable achievement for Project Beacon and paves the way for future infrastructure improvements in the region.
