Jammu: Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha on Thursday inaugurated a newly-constructed helipad in Katra to streamline helicopter services for pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi and Shiv Khori shrines.
The facility, built at a cost of around Rs 27 crore, will improve connectivity and provide major relief to devotees travelling to the twin shrines, officials said, adding that helicopter services from Katra to Shiv Khori will commence soon, an official press release said.
Addressing reporters after inaugurating the helipad at Katra, Sinha said the Mata Vaishno Devi Board and the Shiv Khori Board — both civil authorities — have jointly developed the facility.
“This helipad has been developed in strict compliance with the safety and operational norms laid down by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The facility places a paramount emphasis on passenger safety, security, and seamless travel experience, meeting the growing heli-services demand of the devotees. It will also provide a significant boost to religious tourism in the region,” he said.
It is pertinent to mention that the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, in collaboration with the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board, has undertaken development of a modern Helipad/Heliport at Village Hutt, Katra as well as at Shiv Khori, to ensure convenience, safety and accessibility for pilgrims undertaking helicopter travel to holy shrines.
The infrastructure is based on technical inputs from Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and operational requirements assessed by the Board. It is capable of accommodating enhanced passenger handling and helicopter operational capacity, including future shifting of the existing Serli Helipad operations to Village Hutt.
The project includes construction of the helipad and allied aviation infrastructure, development of a 1.10 km approach road, creation of an expanded terminal building with passenger amenities such as waiting halls, ticketing and refund counters, reception areas, offices and security cabins, as well as construction of a modern hangar facility and associated operational infrastructure.
The facility also includes provision of safety, security, sanitation, parking, utility services, emergency response systems and queue management facilities necessary for efficient heliport operations.
The project aims to create sufficient operational capacity for present and future helicopter traffic while addressing safety concerns related to helicopters flying over Katra town.
It also streamlines and professionalizes heli-services through centralized management and operation by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, leveraging its long-standing expertise in heli operations. It will also facilitate integrated pilgrimage connectivity between the two shrines from a common heliport and support development of pilgrim infrastructure in the Shiv Khori Shrine area through collaborative institutional arrangements and financial assistance.
The occasion also marked the inauguration of the Helipad and other related works at the Shiv Khori Shrine.
The enhanced infrastructure will increase footfall at the holy shrine and make travel more convenient for pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi who also wish to undertake pilgrimage to Shiv Khori.
Meanwhile, LG today dedicated a new Vaishnavi Bhawan at the holy shrine Shri Mata Vaishno Devi to the devotees, an official press release informed.
The LG said that the new facility will significantly enhance the pilgrim accommodation capacity at Bhawan, improve overall pilgrim amenities and create a modern, efficient and comfortable infrastructure designed to accommodate the growing influx of devotees.
The project was conceptualized under the comprehensive Master Plan for the Bhawan and its extended areas. Recognizing the need for enhanced infrastructure and creation of modern Yatri Accommodation facilities, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) approved the redevelopment of the Pannishalla area, which was previously used for staff quarters, into Yatri-cum-Staff Accommodation complex.
The new Vaishnavi Bhawan has been constructed over a total area of approximately 45,784 Sq. ft. The facility will provide 78 well-furnished rooms for pilgrims.
The construction work of the building commenced in the month of February 2024 and the building was completed in a time period of two years.
The ground floor houses reception and waiting areas, Manager Office and Staff Mess with Kitchen, ensuring efficient operational management of the facility. A ‘Bhojanalaya’ is also available on the terrace for catering to pilgrims and staff.
To ensure accessibility and convenience, the building is equipped with five lifts, including three passenger lifts of 26 person capacity, one service lift and one connecting lift linking the facility with Parvati Bhawan.
The LG also paid obeisance at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. He prayed for peace and prosperity of J&K UT and well-being of one and all, the press release said.
