New Delhi-Katra-Srinagar Train: In a major boost to road and rail connectivity, the Delhi-Srinagar train service is expected to further enhance pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi. A pilgrim facilitation centre has also been set up at Katra railway station to help people conveniently complete their registration for the pilgrimage.

Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), outlined ambitious plans to establish Katra as a regional hub, with several key projects underway. These include the construction of four temples along the Trikuta Hills Parikrama Marg and the development of a helipad to improve connectivity to the Shiv Khori Shrine, aimed at boosting tourism in the region, PTI reported.

Garg made these remarks during a function organised to celebrate the 76th Republic Day at the Shrine Board’s Sports Complex in Katra on Sunday.

In his address, the CEO highlighted the importance of the upcoming Delhi-Srinagar train service, stating that it will establish Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting the shrine as a vital transit station, further boosting pilgrimage to the holy site.

A specially designed Vande Bharat Express completed its maiden trial run on the newly completed Katra-Srinagar section on January 25, marking the completion of a dream project connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country by rail.

"In light of this development, the shrine board has operationalised a yatri facilitation centre at the Katra Railway Station to enable pilgrims to complete their registration for the yatra conveniently, right from the railway station, thereby enhancing their overall pilgrimage experience," Garg said.

"The Shrine Board has been working tirelessly to upgrade and expand the existing infrastructure to accommodate the ever-increasing number of pilgrims visiting the shrine, both from India and abroad," he added.

The revered shrine has seen a steady influx of devotees, with the annual pilgrimage surpassing 90 lakh for the third consecutive year, he noted.

Garg also spoke about efforts to enhance the traditional route, mentioning a major project estimated at Rs 20 crore. This includes the development of a state-of-the-art Darshani Deodi Queue Complex, designed to accommodate 1,500 devotees in all weather conditions.

Additionally, other mega projects in the Banganga sector, including the three-storey Shubhra Bhawan, an upgraded track quality and drainage network, and a proposed Laser Light and Sound project, aim to further improve the pilgrimage experience.

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The CEO also highlighted collaborative efforts between the Centre and the Shrine Board to rejuvenate the Banganga, enhancing its ecology and aesthetics through synchronized development and contiguous embankments.

A Rs 25 crore new exit track, inspired by a skywalk to decongest the Bhawan area, and a new Vaishnavi Bhawan to improve the pilgrimage experience, were also announced by the CEO.

He also revealed several upcoming facilities, including battery car parking, an Adhkuwari holding area, AI-based CCTV cameras along the track, and a command control centre during the upcoming Chaitra Navratras, all aimed at enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience.

Additionally, Garg announced that residents of Katra town and all 41 villages in the Katra sub-division would be provided priority 'darshan' at the shrine upon presenting their Aadhaar card as valid address proof at Durga Bhawan.

With Inputs from PTI