Jammu Yatri facilities upgraded, ONGC boosts shelter and health services
ONGC has built permanent Yatri Niwas and Disaster Management Complexes across four strategic locations in Jammu & Kashmir in a major boost to Amarnath Yatra infrastructure. Developed under its CSR initiative, the facilities aim to provide safe shelter, sanitation, and emergency response to lakhs of annual pilgrims. These year-round assets—spanning Baltal, Nunwan, Bijbehara, and Sidhra—not only improve pilgrimage safety but also enhance healthcare and logistics support for local communities in the region.
At Baltal, the newly operational complex spans over 6,300 square metres and houses a Yatri Niwas, disaster-response centre, VIP accommodations, and a dedicated security area. Strategically situated near a key pilgrimage access point, the facility is designed to streamline boarding, safety coordination, and shelter operations during the high-altitude Amarnath Yatra. Construction is concurrently underway at Nunwan and Bijbehara, with completion targeted for September 2025. These will offer similar facilities, ensuring that yatris have access to year-round lodging and emergency services. Meanwhile, the Sidhra complex in Jammu, scheduled for completion by September 2026, will serve as a regional hub for transportation, medical coordination, and disaster management. Authorities emphasised that the permanent nature of these CSR-built facilities not only reduces operational strain during peak pilgrimage but also empowers local resilience through year-round usage. The initiative marks a shift from temporary camps to permanent infrastructure, reinforcing long-term safety and pilgrimage logistics in the region.
Beyond shelter, ONGC’s CSR efforts have also extended to healthcare. In collaboration with local authorities, the company constructed two 100-bed hospitals in Baltal (Ganderbal) and Chandanwari (Anantnag) in 2024, transforming temporary medical camps into full-time Primary Health Centres. These facilities are equipped with intensive care units, diagnostic tools, and on-site staff housing, offering both yatris and local populations consistent access to emergency and preventive care. The hospitals function year-round and are strategically positioned to cater to both high-altitude emergencies and seasonal surges in patient footfall. Experts say this move enhances disaster preparedness and contributes to long-term health infrastructure in remote regions. Additionally, the alignment of healthcare with pilgrim logistics marks a comprehensive approach to managing mass gatherings in ecologically sensitive terrain. By embedding resilience into the pilgrimage framework, the initiative reflects how corporate social responsibility can meaningfully intersect with regional infrastructure development and disaster management planning.
ONGC’s CSR-led construction of Yatri Niwas and health facilities in Jammu & Kashmir marks a pivotal improvement in Amarnath Yatra preparedness. These year-round assets enhance safety, provide dignified shelter, and support medical access for both pilgrims and locals. With permanent infrastructure replacing temporary arrangements, the initiative reflects a forward-looking commitment to disaster risk reduction, healthcare resilience, and regional development. As construction progresses across Nunwan, Bijbehara, and Sidhra, the model sets a benchmark for corporate participation in high-impact public welfare projects. By integrating infrastructure with faith-based tourism needs, this move reinforces safety and dignity in pilgrimage logistics across the Union Territory.
