Dedicated Helicopter Quota for Senior Citizens and Specially-Abled Pilgrims at Vaishno Devi

Katra, January 31: In a major step towards enhancing pilgrim-centric services, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has introduced a dedicated helicopter quota for senior citizens and specially-abled pilgrims. Chief Executive Officer Anshul Garg announced that the online booking for this facility will be available from February 1, 2025, on the board’s official website, www.maavaishnodevi.org.

Under the leadership of the Shrine Board’s Chairman, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, SMVDSB continues to upgrade facilities and infrastructure to improve the pilgrimage experience. Addressing the media, Garg highlighted that this initiative responds to a long-standing demand from the Senior Citizen Forum, which recently met with a high-level committee to seek a separate helicopter booking quota. A similar initiative for battery car bookings introduced earlier received an overwhelming response.

Further enhancing the pilgrimage experience, the Shrine Board has introduced a permanent free tea Langar Seva at the Yatra Facilitation Centre at Katra Railway Station, ensuring arriving pilgrims receive a warm welcome. To promote local cuisine, Kadhi-Chawal has been added to the menu at the free langars at Adhkuwari and Bhairon Ji. The Hawan Poojanfacility has also been extended to the Adhkuwari Yagyashala, enriching the spiritual offerings for devotees.

Infrastructure upgrades remain a priority, with extensive improvements to the traditional Banganga track. A new queue complex at Darshani Deodi will accommodate 1,500 pilgrims at a time, alongside track widening, ornamental street lighting, and a drainage system upgrade covering 2.5 km from Darshani Deodi to Charanpaduka. Additional facilities have also been introduced at Shubra Bhawan to accommodate more devotees. In response to increasing footfall, a covered holding area at Adhkuwari is being set up for pilgrims awaiting Darshan at the sacred Garbjoon cave.

In a special gesture, the Shrine Board recently announced Priority Darshan for local residents based on Aadhaar card verification, recognizing their deep-rooted connection with the shrine.

CEO Anshul Garg reaffirmed the Shrine Board’s commitment to continuously enhancing services, ensuring a smoother, more inclusive pilgrimage experience while integrating modern infrastructure with spiritual traditions.