Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu,(DD):The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, in collaboration with the railway authorities, has unveiled transformative projects to improve the pilgrimage experience and infrastructure in the Banganga sector.
Key developments include the completion of the three-storey Shubhra Bhawan, upgraded track quality, and an enhanced drainage network.
A proposed Laser Light and Sound project aims to provide a captivating experience for devotees, while efforts to rejuvenate the Banganga rivulet with contiguous embankments will enhance its ecology and aesthetics.
To decongest the Bhawan area, a Rs 25-crore exit track inspired by the concept of a skywalk is underway. A new Vaishnavi Bhawan is also planned to expand facilities for pilgrims.
Other notable upgrades include:Battery car parking and a holding area at Adhkuwar, AI-powered CCTV cameras and a command control center for safety during peak seasons like Chaitra Navratras.
Additionally, railway integration is set to streamline access for pilgrims traveling to the shrine. Residents of Katra town and 41 nearby villages will also benefit from priority darshan at Durga Bhawan, available upon presenting Aadhaar cards as address proof. These initiatives promise to revolutionize the pilgrimage experience for devotees.(DD)