Ahead of the formal launch of the train services to Kashmir Valley, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) authorities are gearing up to welcome the fresh arrival of pilgrims in the coming months.
Around 95 lakh pilgrims visited the cave shrine during 2024 and this year the Shrine Board authorities are hoping to achieve the target of 1 crore pilgrims.
Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board said we are working tirelessly to upgrade and expand the existing infrastructure to cater to the ever-increasing number of pilgrims visiting the shrine from across the country and abroad.
He said a pilgrim facilitation centre has also been set up at the Katra railway station to enable pilgrims/tourists to complete registration for the pilgrimage conveniently.
Anshul Garg also outlined ambitious plans to establish Katra as a regional hub, with several key projects underway, including four temples along the Trikuta Hills Parikrama Marg and the development of a helipad to improve connectivity to the Shiv Khori Shrine, with an aim to boost tourism in the region.
Highlighting the significance of the upcoming Delhi-Srinagar train connectivity Anshul Garg said it will establish Katra, the base camp for the pilgrims visiting the shrine, as a crucial transit station and is expected to further boost the pilgrimage to the holy shrine.
A specially-designed Vande Bharat Express train completed its maiden trial run on the recently completed Katra-Srinagar section on January 25, marking the completion of the dream project to connect Kashmir valley with the rest of the country by rail network.
Referring to the development along the traditional route, CEO Anshul Garg said a major project, estimated at Rs 20 crore is underway, which includes the development of a state-of-the-art Darshani Deodi Queue Complex designed to accommodate 1,500 devotees to wait in all weather conditions.
Besides, the completion of other mega projects in the Banganga sector including the three-storey Shubhra Bhawan, upgraded track quality and drainage network, and proposed Laser Light and Sound project to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience, he said.
The CEO also highlighted key initiatives undertaken collaboratively by the centre and the shrine board to rejuvenate the Banganga rivulet to enhance the rivulet's ecology and aesthetics through synchronized development and contiguous embankments.
A Rs 25 crore new exit track inspired by the skywalk aimed at decongesting the Bhawan area and new Vaishnavi bhawan for enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience for devotees were also highlighted by the CEO.
He also announced several new upcoming facilities, including battery car parking, Adhkuwari holding area, AI-based CCTV cameras on the track and a command control centre during the upcoming Chaitra Navratras for enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience for devotees.