JAMMU: After internal consultations, the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), headed by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, has given the go-ahead for registration for this year’s yatra. The day-wise registration of pilgrims, both from the Baltal route and the traditional Pahalgam route, will start from April 15, Wednesday next. This will be done across 554 designated bank branches nationwide, through an Aadhaar-based real-time registration system.
According to the detailed guidelines issued by SASB, pilgrims will be registered through biometric eKYC authentication linked to Aadhaar, with permits generated online through the official portal. In case of technical glitches in biometric verification, authorities have a fallback option of manual data entry, along with webcam-based photo capture, to ensure uninterrupted registration. The pilgrims must carry their registration details at all times during the pilgrimage.
It is mandatory for the applicants to produce a valid Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC), issued on or after April 8, 2026, by authorised doctors or medical institutions. A comprehensive list of approved medical facilities across 37 States and Union Territories (UT) has been released to facilitate pilgrims. A health check-up and issuance of the health certificate are now mandatory prerequisites for undertaking the pilgrimage.
Within J&K, around 170 doctors in all 20 districts have been authorised to issue these health certificates. Each registration will be processed upon payment of a Rs 150 fee. Additionally, around 30 selected branches of J&K Bank, Punjab National Bank (PNB), and State Bank of India (SBI) across the Union Territory (UT) have been designated to facilitate pilgrim registration for the Yatra, ensuring wider accessibility and a streamlined process for devotees.
Officials stated that the registration process will follow a first-come, first-served basis, with a fixed daily quota for both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes at each branch. To maintain proper crowd regulation and safety, bookings for a specific yatra date will close seven days in advance. The system of compulsory registration was put in place two decades ago on the recommendations of the Nitish Sengupta Committee report. The SASB also came into being as this committee worked to make recommendations to make the annual yatra a more methodical and organised affair.
In addition to all this, the Shrine Board has introduced a group registration facility to make the process more convenient for pilgrims travelling together. This provision will allow yatris to register in groups of 5 to 30 members. It was felt that this group registration was needed, as pilgrims often travel together, both within and outside the UT. The
Eligibility criteria have also been clearly defined. Only individuals aged 13 to 70 will be allowed to undertake the pilgrimage. Additionally, women more than six weeks pregnant will not be permitted to participate, even if they possess the required health certification, given the strenuous nature of the yatra.
Designated bank branches have been tasked with verifying the authenticity of the health certificates before issuing system-generated permits. These permits will clearly mention the selected route, Baltal or Pahalgam, as well as the specific date on which pilgrims are allowed to cross access control points at Domel and Chandanwari, respectively.
To ensure smooth implementation, banks have been directed to set up dedicated help desks, adequately train their staff, and conduct awareness campaigns for applicants. The Shrine Board has also advised pilgrims to carefully provide accurate Aadhaar and mobile details during registration to avoid delays or complications.
One problem that a large number of pilgrims face during the yatra is regarding the use of mobile phones. The problem arises because prepaid mobiles from outside J&K do not work in the UT, and vice versa. This problem is addressed through the issuance of prepaid mobile phones by various telecom companies to pilgrims.
