Union Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri and J&K LG Shri Manoj Sinha Inaugurate ONGC`s Amarnath Yatra Infrastructure Projects
The Disaster Management and Yatri Niwas complexes in Baltal, Jammu & Kashmir, developed by ONGC along the Amarnath Yatra Route, were inaugurated today by Hon’ble Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, and Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha.
While Union Minister Shri Puri joined the event virtually, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha presided over the physical inauguration. ONGC Chairman Shri Arun Kumar Singh and EIL CMD Smt. Vartika Shukla were also present at the ceremony.
The newly operational Baltal complex, spanning 6,315 square meters, features a Yatri Niwas, VIP Guest House, security blocks, and state-of-the-art disaster management facilities.
Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Hardeep Singh Puri said, “Through its CSR initiatives, ONGC has contributed to nation-building by supporting critical social infrastructure, particularly in regions that are geographically and administratively challenging, and places of cultural significance.”
In his address, Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Shri Manoj Sinha said, “thanks to ONGC, the facilities in the Amarnath Yatra have been significantly enhanced.”
Inauguration of the Disaster Management and Yatri Niwas complex at Baltal, Kashmir
Speaking after the inauguration, ONGC Chairman and CEO Shri Arun Kumar Singh said, “ONGC’s commitment to social development runs as deep as its pursuit of national energy security. We are humbled by the opportunity to contribute to this infrastructural development of national significance.”
The Energy major is also developing Disaster Management and Yatri Niwas complexes in Baltal, Nunwan, Bijbehara and Sidhra along the Amarnath Yatra Route. This infrastructure project has been undertaken as part of ONGC’s CSR initiative. The Yatri Niwas at the four locations will ensure the safety and comfort of devotees undertaking the Amarnath Yatra. Over five lakh people undertake this Yatra every year. The permanent complexes will also serve as assets to the local population. Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board will maintain and operate these assets.
Construction in Jammu and Kashmir is fraught with challenges. Extreme winter conditions, particularly from October to March, restrict the fair-weather window. This was further compounded by the security-related disruptions, which led to administrative restrictions and an exodus of non-local labourers.
However, with focused efforts and the utilisation of the extensive experience of working within a limited fair-weather window, the timely completion of the Baltal complex showcases ONGC’s ability to deliver under demanding conditions.
The work is in progress at Nunwan (8,500 sqm) and Bijbehara (7,640 sqm) facilities, with completion targeted by September 2025. These locations will feature dormitories, sewage treatment plants, and other essential utilities. The Sidhra site (8,500 sqm), designed as a sustainable G+5 structure equipped with solar panels, is expected to be operational by September 2026. Collectively, these projects, covering over 30,955 square meters, will provide safer and more comfortable facilities for the people.
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