In a significant move to ensure the welfare and safety of millions of devotees, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has announced a major update to its insurance policy for pilgrims. On Sunday, the Board approved a 100% increase in the insurance cover for every pilgrim visiting the holy shrine.
The insurance amount has been raised from the existing Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh per person. This decision is part of a broader effort to strengthen the safety net for visitors trekking to the revered shrine in the Trikuta Hills of Jammu and Kashmir.
High-Level Meeting Chaired by Lt Governor
The decision was finalized during a crucial board meeting held in Jammu. The meeting was presided over by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, who also serves as the Chairman of the Shrine Board.
During the session, the Board reviewed a wide range of issues. An official spokesman stated that the members ratified actions taken since the previous meeting and deliberated on 25 specific agenda items. The primary goal of these discussions was to streamline the functioning of the Board and significantly improve the services provided to the pilgrims.
Focus on Major Infrastructure Projects
A large portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the progress of key infrastructure projects that are currently underway. The Board examined the status of several critical developments aimed at making the pilgrimage smoother and safer.
One of the top priorities discussed was the construction of a new exit track at the Bhawan (the main shrine complex). This project is essential for managing the heavy rush of devotees and ensuring orderly movement.
Additionally, the Board reviewed the widening of the yatra track from Sanjichhat to the Bhawan. Widening this specific stretch is expected to reduce congestion and provide a more comfortable walking experience for the pilgrims.
Other infrastructure highlights included:
- Slope Stabilization: ongoing works to secure the mountainsides and prevent landslides along the track.
- New Temple Construction: The construction of the Shri Shankaracharya Temple and its allied amenities in Katra.
- Education for Specially-abled: The development of a School for Divyangjan at Chaitanya Ashram in Jammu.
The Board issued strict directives regarding these projects. They emphasized that all construction work must adhere to strict timelines. Furthermore, the Lieutenant Governor insisted that there should be no compromise on the quality of work or safety standards during the execution of these projects.
Helicopter Services and Support for Shiv Khori
The meeting also addressed connectivity and cooperation with other religious sites. The Board approved a new arrangement regarding the newly developed helipad at Hutt village.
Following the execution of a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the Vaishno Devi Shrine Board will provide a one-time financial grant to the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board. This grant is intended for the development and upgradation of pilgrimage infrastructure at the Shiv Khori shrine.
To add to the convenience of the pilgrims, the Board decided that helicopter services for both the Vaishno Devi shrine and the Shiv Khori shrine will operate from the same helipad. This integration is expected to save time and streamline travel for devotees visiting both holy sites.
Green Initiatives and Environmental Sustainability
Environmental conservation was another major theme of the meeting. The Board approved a comprehensive “Annual Green Plan” for the year 2026-27. This plan focuses on conserving the green cover in the region surrounding the shrine.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha directed the Shrine Board to reaffirm its commitment to environmental sustainability. He placed particular emphasis on promoting cleanliness and maintaining greenery in Katra town and its surrounding areas, ensuring that the ecological balance is maintained alongside the heavy footfall of tourists.
New Facilities and Foundation Stones Laid
On the sidelines of the official meeting, Lt Governor Sinha laid the foundation stones for several new facilities designed to enhance the spiritual experience for visitors.
The new projects include:
- New Temples: The construction of three new temples in the Reasi district.
- Restoration Work: The restoration of two ancient temples in the Jammu district, with an estimated cost of Rs 1.21 crore.
- Bhairon Temple Redevelopment: A project to redevelop the Bhairon Temple complex.
- Staff Accommodation: Construction of new living quarters for staff members at both the Vaishno Devi Bhawan and the Bhairon temple.
Inauguration of Cottages and ‘Pouch Prasad’
The day also saw the inauguration of newly constructed cottages at Katra, which will provide better lodging options for visitors.
In a special gesture for devotees, the Lt Governor launched a new, improvised ‘Pouch Prasad’. This special pouch contains dry fruits, an engraved coin depicting the ‘Holy Pindies’ (the three deities of the Vaishno Devi shrine), and a sacred ‘Mouli’ (sacred thread). This prasad will be distributed to pilgrims free of cost, serving as a blessed souvenir of their journey.
Conclusion
The decisions taken at this meeting reflect the Shrine Board’s proactive approach to managing one of India’s busiest pilgrimage sites. By doubling the insurance cover, the Board has provided a significant layer of financial security to devotees. Simultaneously, the push for infrastructure upgrades, environmental protection, and new facilities indicates a long-term vision to modernize the yatra while preserving its spiritual sanctity. With strict timelines set for these projects, pilgrims can expect a safer and more convenient experience in the near future.
