Sadhotra Calls for Strengthening Internet Connectivity on Amarnath Yatra Routes

JAMMU: National Conference Additional General Secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra has called for urgent strengthening of mobile and internet connectivity along the Baltal and Pahalgam routes leading to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath, citing the critical importance of real-time communication for the safety and peace of mind of pilgrims.

In a statement issued from Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan, Sadhotra said that poor network coverage was adversely affecting communication between pilgrims and their families. He stressed that in the face of challenging terrain and unpredictable weather, uninterrupted digital access was “not just a facility, but a necessity” for a pilgrimage of such scale.

“Thousands of devotees undertake this spiritually enriching journey each year, and uninterrupted mobile and internet services are crucial for their safety, mental peace, and staying connected with their loved ones,” Sadhotra said.

He urged telecom service providers to upgrade and stabilise mobile networks along the Yatra routes, asserting that the concerns of the yatris must be addressed on a war footing. “Pilgrims deserve uninterrupted digital connectivity from Baltal and Pahalgam up to the cave shrine and back, so they can access weather updates, advisories and remain in touch with families,” he said.

Sadhotra also underlined the operational importance of digital infrastructure for coordinating health, administrative and security services, all of which are crucial to the smooth conduct of the Yatra.

“At a time when digital connectivity has become a basic necessity, poor internet access can compromise both safety and the overall pilgrimage experience,” he said. “Let us not forget that the Amarnath Yatra is not just a journey of faith but a national spiritual event that reflects India’s rich pluralistic and devotional ethos.”

He emphasised that it is the responsibility of all stakeholders—particularly the administration and service providers—to ensure that pilgrims carry back pleasant, safe, and unforgettable memories of their spiritual odyssey.

Sadhotra lauded the efforts of the administration for “tirelessly facilitating the annual pilgrimage in a big way” and offered prayers for the smooth and successful conduct of the ongoing Shri Amarnathji Yatra, expressing confidence that the collective spirit of seva (service) and devotion would continue to guide those involved in its management.