• Source:JND

Vaishno Devi RFID Card Timings: In a bid to manage the anticipated surge of devotees during the New Year, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has revised yatra guidelines for both the ascent and descent. Under the new regulations, pilgrims must begin their yatra within 10 hours of obtaining an RFID travel card.

The new rules aim to ensure safety, prevent overcrowding at the shrine and surrounding areas, and avoid stampede-like situations during the New Year.

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Vaishno Devi Yatra New Rules: Check Details

Under the new guidelines, devotees must begin their journey within 10 hours of obtaining their RFID travel card. After completing darshan, devotees must return to the base camp in Katra within 24 hours.

Previously, there was no fixed schedule, allowing devotees to start their journey at their convenience and remain in the Bhawan area after darshan. This often led to pilgrims overstaying at the shrine, resulting in significant overcrowding and congestion along the track.

The revised guidelines are aimed at making the yatra safer and more organised for devotees. It will also reduce congestion on the yatra track, facilitate faster rescue operations during medical emergencies or sudden weather shifts and lower the risk of cold-related health issues due to prolonged stays.

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Online Registration Mandatory For Devotees

To manage the rush during the New Year, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has made online registration mandatory via its official website.

The Shrine Board has also ordered to keep the registration centre at the Katra railway station open until midnight to provide necessary assistance to pilgrims.

How To Reach Mata Vaishno Devi Dham?

Devotees can reach Mata Vaishno Devi Dham via train, air or road.

- By Rail: Jammu Tawi is the primary railway station, connected to most major Indian cities. From the station, Katra is a 50 km drive, which will take roughly 1.5 hours via bus or taxi.

- By Air: The nearest airport is in Jammu (70 km from Katra). Travellers can also access Srinagar airport, located approximately 200 km away.

- By Road: Regular bus and private vehicle services operate from Jammu and Pathankot to Katra, ensuring consistent access via road.


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