Katra, January 26: Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDB), Anshul Garg on Sunday reiterated the board’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and facilitation of pilgrims visiting the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji.
“Shrine Board has been tirelessly working to upgrade and expand the existing infrastructure to cater to the ever-increasing number of pilgrims visiting the shrine across the country and abroad,” Garg said while unfurling the tricolour. He took salute of the impressive march past of contingents from J&K Police, CRPF, NCC, Shrine Enforcement and Security and students of various educational institutions
76th Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm, fervour and national spirit at Shrine Board’s Sports Complex Katra.
The CEO said Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine has witnessed a steady influx of devotees, with the annual pilgrimage exceeding 90 lakh for the third consecutive year. Last year yatra followed a similar trend and touched the mark of 95 lakh, he remarked.
The CEO highlighted the significance of the upcoming Delhi-Srinagar train connectivity stating that it will establish Katra as a crucial transit station and is expected to further boost the pilgrimage to the holy shrine. “In view of this development the Shrine Board has operationalised a Yatri Facilitation Centre at the Katra Railway Station for enabling pilgrims to complete their registration for the yatra conveniently, right from the railway station thereby enhancing their overall pilgrimage experience,” he said.
Garg also drew attention to the Shrine Board’s ongoing efforts to enhance the traditional route to the Holy Shrine stating that major project, estimated at Rs 20 crore is underway, which includes the development of a state-of-the-art Darshani Deodi Queue Complex designed to accommodate 1500 devotees to wait in all weather conditions.
The CEO highlighted key initiatives undertaken collaboratively by the Government of India and the Shrine Board to rejuvenate the Banganga rivulet to enhance the rivulet’s ecology and aesthetics through synchronized development and contiguous embankments.
He announced several new upcoming facilities including Battery Car Parking, Adhkuwari holding area, AI-based CCTV cameras on the track and a Command Control Centre during the upcoming Chaitra Navratras to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience for devotees.
Anshul Garg outlined ambitious plans to establish Katra as a regional hub, with several key projects underway including four temples along the Trikuta Hills Parikrama Marg and the development of a helipad to improve connectivity to the Shiv Khori Shrine with an aim to boost tourism in the region.
The CEO announced that the residents of Katra Town and all 41 villages falling in Sub-Division, Katra shall be provided priority darshan at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji Bhawan on the production of Aadhaar Card as valid address proof at Durga Bhawan.
Earlier, the students of various educational institutions presented a colourful scintillating cultural programme on the occasion featuring theme-based presentations. The CEO gave away cash prizes and appreciation to the outstanding staff of Shrine Board on the occasion in the categories of Ministerial, Catering, Accounts, general and best-performing unit and students who were adjudged best in the march-past and presentation of cultural programme. As part of the Republic Day celebrations, Anshul Garg also hoisted the tricolour at the Central Office of the Shrine Board at Katra.
