Rs 250 cr project will cover distance in 6 minutes
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 17: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has initiated the construction of a passenger ropeway project between Tarakote to Sanji Chat in Katra town of Reasi district following approval by the Board
To be constructed at the cost of Rs 250 crore, the project will be completed in three years after award of the contract.
The move aims to make the Vaishno Devi yatra, a comfortable and satisfying experience for the pilgrims. The project will be much beneficial for old and disabled visitors.
On behalf of the SMVDSB, the Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) has invited bids (both technical and financial) for the project.
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The 2.4 km long alignment from Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chat will have 14 towers (tentative), a 16-meter corridor, eight track crossings, etc.
Presently, the pilgrims cover a distance of 13 km long journey on a foot trek up to Bhawan, whereas the ropeway will cover the same journey in 6 minutes.
The helicopter and battery car services are already available from Katra and Adh Kunwari respectively.
The ropeway will prove to be a major attraction for tourists as the visitors will be able to get a picturesque view of the area.
With the completion of the ropeway project, tourist footfall will increase. The tourist would be able to embrace the experience of the delightful gondola ride.
Last year, 91 lakh pilgrims visited holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji.
Only 17 lakh pilgrims, the lowest in over three decades, visited the shrine in 2020 when it remained closed for five months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pilgrim footfall at the shrine touched an all-time high of 1.04 crore in 2012.
The number of pilgrims visiting the shrine dropped from 93.24 lakh in 2013 to 78.03 lakh in 2014, 77.76 lakh in 2015 and 77.23 lakh in 2016. It increased to 81.78 lakh in 2017 and 85.87 lakh in 2018 before dropping again in 2019 to 79.40 lakh.
CEO SMVDSB Anshul Garg has been monitoring arrangements for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji pilgrims constantly.
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