Skywalk to bifurcate entry, exit routes
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 24: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) is set to complete three major projects at the Bhawan which will be inaugurated during upcoming Navratras in October.
They include Skywalk, Parvati Bhawan with 1500 lockers and washrooms and renovated Atka Aarti area with new Gate.
SMVDSB CEO Anshul Garg told the Excelsior that Skywalk which will completely bifurcate entry and exit of the pilgrims at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan and will be a major “crowd control measure” will be thrown open for the pilgrims by the Shrine Board during upcoming Navratras in October.
The Skywalk has been constructed at the cost of about Rs 15.5 crore.
This year the nine-day Navratras are starting from October 15 and will end on October 24.
Besides Skywalk, the Parvati Bhawan will also be complete during the Navratras, the CEO said, adding that it will have 1500 lockers and newly constructed washrooms for the pilgrims.
New Gate at Atka Aarti darshan area will also be completed during the Navratras.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also Chairman of the Shrine Board, is likely to inaugurate new facilities at the Bhawan for the pilgrims.
The construction work of state-of-art skywalk flyover at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan is in the last leg of its completion.
The skywalk will be equipped with waiting halls, resting rooms, first of its kind wooden flooring and two emergency exits, seating arrangements, LED screens and resting rooms.
Wooden flooring has been used as a preventive measure so that the devotees do not feel cold at bare feet while standing in queue during the harsh weather conditions.
The completion of Skywalk flyover will resolve the issue of handling the rush of pilgrims as after its commencement, entry and exit points will be separate.
The overcrowding will be prevented during huge rush because Skywalk flyover will be the entry point but old traditional path will remain the exit point.
Two emergency exits and CCTV cameras will also be installed as safety measures.
The Skywalk flyover will also have an artificial cave at the entrance to give a feel of a natural cave to the devotees.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
