News Brief
Amarnath Yatra 2025 Expected To Draw 8 Lakh Pilgrims, Generate Up To Rs 3,000 Crore In Revenue: Report
Pilgrims at Amarnath Yatra. (File Photo)
With 6 to 8 lakh pilgrims expected to visit, the annual Amarnath Yatra is likely to generate Rs 2,000 to 3,000 crore in revenue, the Bhaskar reported, citing Kashmir Divisional Commissioner P K Pole.
Located at an altitude of 7,500 feet in the Anantnag district, the Amarnath cave is revered by millions of Lord Shiva devotees.
Besides its religious significance, the spiritual Yatra plays a vital role in boosting the region’s economy.
In 2024, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a surge in tourism with 23.59 million visitors, a rise from 21.18 million in 2023, largely driven by pilgrimages.
“This Yatra is our hope for bread, as the recent terror attack on Pahalgam hit our job hard,” a local taxi driver Tariq was quoted by the Bhaskar as saying.
To support the growing number of pilgrims, the government has initiated over 1,900 tourism projects, of which more than 1,000 have been completed.
The recently launched Vande Bharat Express, connecting Katra to Srinagar via the Chenab Bridge, has drastically cut travel time, enhancing access to the Yatra base camps.
Security measures include over 60,000 personnel, drone surveillance, and RFID tracking.
Pilgrims are spending generously, with tour packages ranging from Rs 23,500 to Rs 41,000. Hotels in Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and Srinagar report more than 90 per cent occupancy.
The Amarnath Yatra 2025 started on 3 July and will run until 9 August, spanning a condensed 38 day schedule, shorter than in previous years.
Pilgrims can access the revered cave shrine via two main routes: the longer, scenic 48 km Pahalgam track or the steeper, 14 km Baltal path.
