Helicopter quota for senior citizens, specially abled at Vaishno Devi shrine
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has started online helicopter quota for senior citizens and specially abled pilgrims, which will be available from February 1 on the board’s official website.
SMVDSB Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Anshul Garg on Friday announced a series of new initiatives aimed at enhancing pilgrim services.
Garg said this initiative comes in response to the long-standing demand from the Senior Citizen Forum, which had recently met 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.
Additionally, 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, he said.
“In an effort 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. Hawan facility is now available at Adhkuwari Yagyashala as well, enhancing the spiritual offerings of the pilgrimage,” he said.
The CEO said that infrastructure improvement remains 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,” he said.
Earlier, on the eve of Republic day, the Shrine Board had announced priority ‘darshan’ for local residents on the basis of Aadhaar card. The CEO further emphasised that the Shrine Board remains dedicated to enhance pilgrim services.
