• Source:JND

CEO of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Sachin Vaishya, has announced several new projects for pilgrims. These initiatives include an International Religious Museum, a modern exit gate to be completed by 2026, and the New Vaishnavi Bhawan by March 2027.

The Board is emphasising the promotion of the pilgrimage and the improvement of facilities, which includes online services and the construction of the Shankaracharya Temple. The objective is to attract a larger number of devotees.

Increase In Pilgrim Numbers

It is noteworthy that the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has been managing the Vaishno Devi Dham for the past 40 years. Whether it is ensuring the divine darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi or providing amenities to devotees, the Shrine Board remains actively engaged in all aspects. Consequently, the enhancement in facilities during the pilgrimage has led to a continuous increase in the number of visitors.

ALSO READ: Haryana Murder Solved: Son Returns Secretly From England To Kill Mother In Yamunanagar; Arrested

When Will The One Crore Mark Be Reached?

According to statistics, the highest number of pilgrims—approximately 1.04 crore—visited Mata Vaishno Devi in 2012. However, due to various incidents, there has been a slight stagnation over the past 15 years, and the pilgrimage figures have not crossed the one-crore mark since then.

ALSO READ: DTC Revival Plan: CM Rekha Gupta Vows To Fix Rs 97,000 Cr Loss; Targets 11,000 E-Buses

The Shrine Board is continuously undertaking new development works to ensure that the pilgrimage grows year by year, devotees receive all necessary amenities, and they can consistently experience spiritual bliss alongside the divinity of Mata Vaishno Devi.

Enhancement Of Facilities

Shrine Board CEO Sachin Kumar Vaishya stated that in the current year, pilgrims will have access to a new modern exit route, similar to the Skywalk, within the Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan complex. Additionally, the 'New Vaishnavi Dham,' being constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 24.20 crore near the Bhawan, will soon be dedicated to the devotees. This modern building will provide rooms, dormitory beds, toilets, bathing facilities and eateries.

Furthermore, the construction of the grand Shankaracharya Temple on the Shankaracharya peak of the Trikuta Mountains near the Katra base camp—which has been ongoing for nearly three and a half decades—will be completed within the next two years. A message is being conveyed across the country encouraging devotees to undertake the pilgrimage without any hassle. Collective efforts will lead to an increase in the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage.


Also In News