Arun Jasrotia
Katra : TDD ,In a significant development for the millions of devotees who embark on the arduous pilgrimage to the sacred shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) is gearing up to introduce a revolutionary ropeway project.
Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer of the SMVDSB, announced today that the project aims to significantly reduce the travel time for pilgrims, especially those with disabilities, senior citizens, and medically unfit individuals. Currently, the 13-kilometer trek to the shrine can be challenging for many.
“The ropeway project will revolutionize the pilgrimage experience,” Garg said. “It will reduce the travel time from Tarakote to Shanjichat to just 6 minutes. This will make the yatra more accessible to a wider range of devotees.”
Last year, a record 95 lakh pilgrims visited the shrine, underscoring the growing popularity of the pilgrimage. However, the increasing footfall has also led to infrastructure challenges, particularly for those who cannot undertake the strenuous trek.
The SMVDSB is actively working with local communities to finalize the project details and initiate construction as soon as possible. Once completed, the ropeway is expected to significantly enhance the overall pilgrimage experience and cater to the diverse needs of devotees ,TDD