Delhi-Srinagar Rail Link to Revolutionise Pilgrimage Access to Vaishno Devi Shrine New Developments Announced
The newly-established Delhi-Srinagar rail link is set to enhance access to the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. The rail link, which includes the newly operational Katra-Srinagar section, marks a significant step in improving connectivity to one of India’s most visited pilgrimage sites.
According to Anshul Garg, the CEO of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), the introduction of this rail link will make Katra, the base town for visiting the shrine, a vital transit hub. Garg revealed that a pilgrim facilitation centre has already been set up at Katra Railway Station, allowing devotees to register for the yatra directly upon their arrival. This move aims to streamline the pilgrimage process, offering a much smoother and hassle-free experience for thousands of devotees visiting the shrine annually. The significance of this new rail link cannot be overstated. The specially-designed Vande Bharat Express, which completed its maiden trial run on January 25, 2025, is part of the long-awaited project aimed at connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country. The smooth and speedy rail connectivity will undoubtedly encourage more devotees to visit the sacred Vaishno Devi shrine, boosting both pilgrimage traffic and tourism in the region.
The Shrine Board has outlined several initiatives to further enhance the pilgrimage experience and improve the infrastructure in the region. Garg highlighted that Katra will be developed into a regional hub for religious tourism, with significant improvements planned for local facilities. These include the construction of four temples along the Trikuta Hills Parikrama Marg, an important pilgrimage route, as well as the development of a helipad to improve connectivity to the Shiv Khori Shrine. In addition, several ongoing projects aim to improve the overall facilities for pilgrims. A ₹20 crore Darshani Deodi Queue Complex is being built to accommodate up to 1,500 devotees. The Banganga sector is also undergoing extensive upgrades, including the development of Shubhra Bhawan and an enhanced drainage system. Furthermore, an ambitious ₹25 crore skywalk-inspired exit track is being constructed to reduce congestion in the Bhawan area, making the entire pilgrimage process more efficient and comfortable for visitors.
With the aim of rejuvenating the Banganga rivulet, the Shrine Board has partnered with the central government to work on initiatives focused on improving the ecology and aesthetics of the area. In line with this, advanced technologies will be implemented, including AI-based CCTV surveillance and a command control centre to further boost security and organisation during pilgrimage seasons. To ensure that the local community benefits from the increasing number of pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine, Garg also announced a significant initiative for residents of Katra town and the 41 surrounding villages. These locals will be granted priority darshan with the use of their Aadhaar cards as proof of address, providing them with better access to the shrine during busy pilgrimage seasons.
With more than 90 lakh devotees visiting the shrine annually for the past three years, the infrastructure upgrades and improved connectivity are expected to handle the increasing demand. The successful trial run of the Vande Bharat Express and the ongoing infrastructure projects mark a new era of convenience and comfort for pilgrims, making it easier than ever to reach the holy site. As the rail link is set to open in full, pilgrims can look forward to an even smoother journey to one of India’s most important religious destinations. The ongoing transformation of Katra into a major pilgrimage hub will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, encouraging more visitors to experience the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of the region.
