New Delhi, Aug. 13 -- Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh on Thursday said the government has taken several measures to make the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra affordable, accessible and safe for Indian citizens, while outlining steps taken to improve pilgrim safety, medical support and connectivity.

Responding to an unstarred question by BJD MP Sulata Deo in the Rajya Sabha, Singh said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) organises the 'Yatra' in cooperation with the governments of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Sikkim, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and other concerned government agencies.

The Yatra is conducted through two official routes, i.e., Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand since 1981 and Nathu La Pass in Si...