Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, October 12 : President Droupadi Murmu undertook a visit to the Vaishno Devi shrine on Thursday, marking a significant occasion as she inaugurated a new skywalk and unveiled the revamped Parvati Bhavan, both located at the shrine atop the Trikuta hills in Reasi district, according to officials.
President Murmu’s two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir included a trip to the revered shrine, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha accompanying her. During the visit, Anshul Garg, the CEO of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), provided President Murmu with detailed insights into these initiatives.
The newly constructed 200-meter-long skywalk is designed to enhance the pilgrimage experience, streamlining the path for pilgrims heading to the Bhawan and those returning from the shrine. Costing over Rs 9.89 crore, this 20-foot-high facility was introduced to address the challenges of managing the multidirectional flow of pilgrims, which had led to a chaotic situation between Manokamna Bhawan and Gate No-3. It was at this location that a tragic stampede occurred on New Year’s Day in 2022, resulting in 12 fatalities and 16 injuries. The skywalk is expected to significantly decongest the flow of pilgrims and improve crowd management, particularly during peak periods.
In addition to the skywalk, the Parvati Bhavan has undergone extensive remodeling at an approximate cost of Rs 15 crore. It serves as a complimentary facility for pilgrims and has been seamlessly linked to the skywalk. This arrangement ensures that pilgrims can conveniently proceed directly to the shrine after depositing their luggage. With a capacity to accommodate 1,500 lockers, Parvati Bhavan caters to the needs of 10,000 to 15,000 pilgrims every day, as reported by officials.
