Work to start on Rs 65 cr cable ropeway project at Vaishno Devi shrine

Tahir Mushtaq

JAMMU, Sept 24: In an effort to boost pilgrim tourism, the Vaishno Devi cave shrine will be connected by a Rs 65 crore cable ropeway project between Bhawan and Bhairon Ghati.

According to sources, in the recent meeting of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) the two main projects costing Rs 65 crore for establishment of the ropeways for material and passengers was sanctioned.

The material ropeway will be constructed from Siar Dabri near Katra to Vaishno Devi Bhawan while passenger ropeway is being constructed from Bhawan to Bhairon Ghati. Water supply scheme to Adh Kunwari was also lifted from Siar Dabri while work was on at a similar scheme to Bhawan from the same spot.

The material ropeway will immensely benefit the pilgrims as it will lead to quick supply of essential commodities to Vaishno Bhawan and other places from Katra, the base camp of the shrine. It will also help in construction of rest houses.

The passenger ropeway will boost pilgrimage to Bhairon Ghati, located at a height of 6619 feet from sea level, as most of the yatris skip the temple due to tough terrain.

Sources also disclosed that the estimated cost of the passenger ropeway is Rs 55 crore while the material ropeway costs Rs 9 crore and the targeted to be completed the work is within time duration of 2 years.

“These projects are a part of the several recent initiatives for the augmentation of the facilities to be provided for the progressively increasing pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine” said an insider.

Source added that every year Mata Vaishno Devi Cave attracts nearly eight million pilgrims hopefully it will also help to attract more pilgrims and make travel more easy and comfortable.

In addition to this the board is also constructing an emergency helipad on the lower track between Adhkwari and Bhawan for evacuation of pilgrims in emergency situations like critical illness or injury.

Pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine has crossed 8.5 million this year and was expected to touch one crore, which will be an all time record.