The construction of a Sky Walk and the remodelling of Parvati Bhawan at the Shri Mata Vaishnodevi shrine are underway and expected to be completed before the next Navratras in October. The Sky Walk will be a pedestrian flyover with waiting halls and two rescue areas. Its construction will address the problem of the multi-directional flow of the yatra and provide facilities for senior citizens, specially-abled persons, and ladies waiting in the queue. The retrofitting and remodelling of Parvati Bhawan will include 1915 lockers, resting areas, washrooms, toilets, and urinal points. The aim is to curtail the crisscross movement of yatris for lockers and bathing spaces in the Bhawan area and channel the yatra towards the Sky Walk.
Additionally, the installation of 186 more CCTV cameras will begin shortly to enhance the overall capacity of the existing network of 534 cameras for effective and real-time monitoring of pilgrimage. The monitoring of the CCTV network is being done at two control rooms, one each at Katra and Bhawan, jointly by security agencies and officers of the Shrine Board. To ensure safety on the track, slope stabilisation work is being executed in three phases, and an expenditure of Rs 38.70 crore has already been incurred by the board to date on this. The third phase is underway and is estimated to cost Rs 17.42 crore.
It is fascinating to learn about the continuous development and evolution of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine and its facilities for pilgrims. The efforts to make the journey of yatris remarkable and memorable are a testament to the dedication and commitment of the board in charge of the shrine’s management.
The availability of proper road, train, and railway connectivity has enabled an increasing number of pilgrims to visit the shrine, surpassing the crore mark. The developments and changes in Bhawan have been remarkable, from a few blocks to scores of proper facilities for thousands of pilgrims. The use of ultra-modern washing machines for blankets and bedding and multiple locker rooms add to the comfort of the pilgrims.
The transformation of the track from a stone track to a well-maintained, colourful track lit with solar lights, a separate new track from Adhkuwari to Bhawan, battery-operated vehicles, toilets and restrooms, and RO-filtered drinking water all along the path have made the difficult track journey easier for the pilgrims. The availability of helicopter services from Katra to Sanjhichat for air travellers has further improved the ease of travel for the pilgrims.
The online booking system for helicopter services and Bhavan accommodations has helped in stopping corrupt practices and favouritism. The availability of donations and prasad online is also a welcome development. The live telecast of the main Bhawan Aarti is a morning lifeline for many bhakts. The separate in-and-out tunnels now operational, along with the old cave entrance, are a welcome development to reduce waiting periods and ease darshans. The ropeway from Bhawan to Bhairon Ghati is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that pilgrims will remember forever.
Although the efforts to improve the facilities at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine are impressive, there is still room for improvement. It would be beneficial to develop an ultra-modern bus and taxi stand with top-notch facilities on the outskirts of Katra. Additionally, heavy vehicles should be restricted from entering the city during the day, and only electric or CNG-operated vehicles should be allowed in the city. During peak rush hours, the development of a grand garden would make the stay of waiting pilgrims more pleasant and create lasting memories.
The board is leaving no stone unturned for the better management of the pilgrimage. Overall, the continuous efforts to improve the facilities at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine are commendable and contribute to the experience of the pilgrims visiting the shrine.
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