JAMMU: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Transport, Information Technology & Science and Technology and ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma, today conducted a comprehensive visit to the Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp, Jammu, to oversee the arrangements for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025.
During his visit, the Minister conducted a thorough inspection of the entire base camp infrastructure and facilities, including electricity, water supply, accommodation and health care facilities for the pilgrims. He inspected the four accommodation halls, ensuring that basic amenities such as clean drinking water, air conditioners and fans have been properly installed and are functional.
The Minister also visited the Langar Hall and appreciated the selfless services rendered by the Langar staff.
Accompanied by the Director FCS & CA, Regional Transport Officer (RTO), Jammu and General Manager of J&K Road Transport Corporation (RTC) and the enforcement team of Transport Department, Sharma visited the RTC counter and issued several directions to streamline transport arrangements for the Yatra. These included strict monitoring of traffic violations by the vehicles participating in the Yatra, verification of fitness certificates and driving licenses of all drivers and transport vehicles arriving from outside the UT and timely issuance of fitness certificates to all RTC buses and other vehicles deployed for Yatra duty and deployment of officers and officials of Transport Department at Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp.
The Minister appreciated the Transport Commissioner, J&K, and Regional Transport Officer, Jammu, for installation of hoardings displaying the notified fare structure for various categories of vehicles. These hoardings have been placed at Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp, Jammu Airport, Railway Station, Taxi Stand, General Bus Stand, and Ban Toll Plaza to guide the visiting pilgrims.
The Minister also inspected the designated parking space at the base camp, which has a capacity to accommodate 1,500 vehicles.
The visit concluded with a high-level meeting in the conference hall, where a threadbare discussion was held with the officers regarding the arrangements.
During the meeting, the Minister asked the RTC to ensure fitness of all bus drivers and associated staff before their deployment, utilisation of only fit and latest-model buses for ferrying the yatris, and installation of CCTV cameras in all buses to ensure safety and surveillance. He also called for coordinated efforts to conduct a successful Yatra.
