JAMMU, Jan 27: A senior official from the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board announced that the new Delhi-Srinagar train service is set to significantly enhance pilgrimage visits to Mata Vaishno Devi.
To facilitate pilgrims, a new pilgrim assistance center has been established at the Katra railway station, allowing visitors to conveniently register for their pilgrimage.
Anshul Garg, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), outlined plans to develop Katra as a regional hub, which includes several ambitious projects such as the construction of four temples along the Trikuta Hills Parikrama Marg and the development of a helipad to improve access to the Shiv Khori Shrine, all aimed at boosting tourism in the area.
Speaking at a Republic Day celebration at the Shrine Board’s Sports Complex in Katra, Garg emphasized the importance of the new Delhi-Srinagar train service. He noted that it would position Katra—the base for pilgrims visiting the shrine—as a critical transit point, potentially increasing the flow of devotees.
On January 25, a specially designed Vande Bharat Express completed its inaugural test run on the newly opened Katra-Srinagar route, marking a significant achievement in connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India via rail.
“In light of this development, the shrine board has activated a yatri facilitation center at Katra Railway Station, allowing pilgrims to register for their journey conveniently at the station, significantly improving their pilgrimage experience,” Garg stated.
He added that the shrine board is continuously working to upgrade and expand infrastructure to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims from across the country and abroad. For the third consecutive year, the revered shrine has seen an annual pilgrimage exceeding 90 lakh devotees.
Garg mentioned a significant project underway, estimated at Rs 20 crore, focused on enhancing the traditional route. This includes the construction of a modern Darshani Deodi Queue Complex capable of accommodating 1,500 devotees comfortably in all weather conditions.
In addition, key projects in the Banganga sector are nearing completion, such as the three-story Shubhra Bhawan, improvements to the track quality and drainage systems, and a proposed Laser Light and Sound project to further enhance the pilgrimage experience.
The CEO also highlighted collaborative initiatives between the center and the shrine board aimed at revitalizing the Banganga rivulet to enhance its ecological and aesthetic appeal through coordinated development and continuous embankments.
Among the highlights were a new Rs 25 crore exit track modeled after a skywalk to alleviate congestion in the Bhawan area and the proposed Vaishnavi Bhawan to further elevate the pilgrimage experience.
Garg also unveiled plans for new amenities, such as battery car parking, an Adhkuwari holding area, AI-driven CCTV cameras on the route, and a command control center to be operational during the upcoming Chaitra Navratras, all aimed at enhancing the pilgrimage journey.
He announced that residents of Katra town and the 41 villages within the Katra subdivision would receive priority ‘darshan’ at the shrine upon presenting their Aadhaar cards as proof of residence at Durga Bhawan.
