JAMMU, June 16: The wait is finally over for the pilgrims waiting for online helicopter ticket booking services as the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board has started the facility for both Baltal and Pahalgam yatra routes for this year’s 52-day Shri Amarnath Yatra starting on June 29.
The annual pilgrimage of Baba Amarnath is starting on June 29 and will conclude on August 19, on the day of Raksha Bandhan.As per official details, for the Baltal route, helicopter service is being provided on Neelgrath-Panjtarni-Neelgrath, and for Pahalgam route, it will be available on Pahalgam-Panjtarni-Pahalgam route.
However, official sources said online booking of helicopter service can be availed of by visiting the official website JKSASB.nic.in adding, “offline tickets or priority will not be available, hence the booking will be on first come first serve basis and will be provided directly to the devotees.”
As far as fare is concerned, they said one way fare from Pahalgam to Panjtarni has been fixed at Rs 4900, two way fare at Rs 9800, one way fare from Neelgrath to Panjtarni has been fixed at Rs 3250 and both way fare at Rs 6500.
“The pilgrims undergoing the yatra must have a health certificate while booking the helicopter tickets,” they said, and added that the journey from the Panjtarni helipad to the holy cave and back takes time, so the available slots for the pilgrims will be visible with a gap of at least 5 to 6 hours between the trips.
“The traveller must carry original photo identity card and a health certificate during the journey while the pilgrims must reach the respective helipads at least 30 minutes before the booked slot time,” said an official.
He stated that the charter booking is only allowed for travel between Srinagar and Neelgrath with priority seats in the connecting service running between Neelgrath and Panjtarni.
The preparations for the pilgrimage are in full swing. The advance registration for pilgrims has already started from April 15.
Meanwhile, this year, 125 langars have been permitted to be installed up to the holy cave.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, on May 16, during his visit to Katra urged devotees to become messengers and spread Bhagavat’s message, and invited pilgrims from across the country and abroad for this year’s Shri Amarnath Yatra.
