Jammu, Jan 31 : The Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Anshul Garg, on Friday, announced a series of new initiatives aimed at enhancing pilgrim services as a part of utmost priority to pilgrim-centric services and keeping with the tradition of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board for pilgrim welfare.

Garg as a part of pilgrim-centric initiatives announced the release of the online helicopter quota for senior citizens and specially-abled pilgrims, which will be available from February 1, 2025 on the board’s official website www.maavaishnodevi.org.

Under the leadership of Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, the authorities have always remained committed to improving the pilgrimage experience by introducing new facilities and upgrading existing infrastructure from time to time, said the CEO talking to the media persons at Katyra.

He said that this initiative comes in response to the long-standing demand from the Senior Citizen Forum, which had recently met with a high-level committee to request a separate helicopter booking quota.

Recently a similar quota was introduced for battery car bookings which received an overwhelming response over the last few months, he stated.

Additionally, he said that a permanent free tea Langar Seva has been introduced in the Yatra Facilitation centre at Katra Railway Station, ensuring that pilgrims arriving at the town receive warm welcome and refreshments. To provide a taste of local cuisine, Kadhi-Chawal has been added to the menu of the free langars already established at Adhkuwari and Bhairon.

Further, he informed that the Hawan Poojan facility is now available at Adhkuwari Yagyashala as well, enhancing the spiritual offerings of the pilgrimage.

Infrastructure improvements remain a major focus, with extensive upgradation of the traditional Banganga track including a queue complex at Darshani Deodi capable of accommodating 1,500 pilgrims at a time, track widening, installation of ornamental street lights, and a drainage system upgrade covering a 2.5km track from Darshani Deodi to Charanpaduka.

Additional facilities are also being provided in this sector at the recently inaugurated Shubra Bhawan to accommodate devotees. In response to increasing footfall, a covered holding area at Adhkuwari is being set up for those desirous of Darshan at the holy Garbjoon cave.

Earlier, on the eve of Republic day, the Shrine Board had announced Priority Darshan for local residents on the basis of Aadhar card in recognition of their deep connection with the shrine.

The CEO further emphasized that the Shrine Board remains dedicated to continuously enhancing pilgrim services, making the spiritual journey smoother, more inclusive, and aligned with the modern infrastructural facilities.

UNI