Banihal, Jul 09: A total of 8,150 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu early Thursday as part of the eighth batch of the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 under tight security arrangements.
According to official figures, 3,445 pilgrims are travelling via the Baltal axis, while 4,705 pilgrims are heading towards the Pahalgam axis in a convoy of 334 vehicles, including 175 buses, 55 medium motor vehicles (MMVs), and 104 light motor vehicles (LMVs).
The Baltal convoy departed at 2:50 a.m., followed by the Pahalgam convoy at 3:38 a.m.
Officials said the total number of pilgrims who have departed from Jammu for the annual pilgrimage has now reached 52,816.
Meanwhile, overnight rain showers across Ramban district and adjoining areas brought pleasant weather, providing much-needed relief from the humid conditions.
The improved weather also made the journey more comfortable for pilgrims travelling along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44).
Traffic officials said the Yatra convoy passed through Ramban district smoothly under multi-layer security arrangements, while civilian traffic on NH-44 continued without any major disruption.
