Vaishno Devi Ropeway Project Sparks Local Protests and Livelihood Concerns

Arun Jasrotia
Katra (V. D) :TDD- In a significant development affecting the historic Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route, workers providing traditional horse and palanquin services have launched an intense protest against a proposed ropeway project, expressing deep concerns about potential economic disruption. The demonstration, which includes a 72-hour service shutdown in Katra, highlights the complex tensions between modernization and traditional livelihood practices in the sacred pilgrimage corridor.
Protesters, comprising generational service providers and local shopkeepers, marched through Katra’s main market, staging a sit-in and raising passionate slogans against the infrastructure project. Their primary argument centers on preserving the spiritual essence of the traditional pilgrimage route and protecting the economic interests of workers who have historically supported pilgrims’ journeys.
Shrine Board officials, acknowledging these concerns, have responded by forming a committee under the Divisional Commissioner to address employment challenges and assured the construction of a connecting track that would integrate the old route with the new Tarakot ropeway.
The CEO of the Shrine Board, Anshul Garg, emphasized that the ropeway’s primary objective remains enhancing pilgrim facilities, while simultaneously seeking to mitigate potential negative impacts on local workers’ livelihoods.TDD