SRINAGAR: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu Thursday visited the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi in the Reasi district of Jammu and paid obeisance at the sanctum sanctorum.
She was accompanied by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on her first visit to the cave shrine and was received by Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
Hon’ble President Smt Droupadi Murmu Ji inaugurated Sky Walk and remodeled Parvati Bhawan at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, Katra today. #PresidentInJK @rashtrapatibhvn @OfficeOfLGJandK @MIB_India @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts pic.twitter.com/MXpenemA53
— Information & PR, J&K (@diprjk) October 12, 2023
A DIPR statement issued to press said that the President inaugurated various state-of-the-art pilgrim-centric facilities at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. These included 250 meters long and 2.5 mtr wide Skywalk project at an elevation of 20 feet above the existing track at a cost of Rs 15.69 crore.
“The Skywalk is laced with most modernized facilities like the wooden flooring as a preventive measure for devotees’ comfort in harsh weather conditions, a waiting hall, seating arrangements for about 150 pilgrims, LED screens, resting rooms and two emergency exits,” it said.
The pedestrian flyover (Skywalk) has an aesthetically designed entrance with an artistically embellished portray of Nav Durga to give an enriched experience for devotees. After its commencement, now entry and exit routes leading to the sanctum sanctorum have been separated to ensure systematic and smooth movement of yatra.
Besides, the President inaugurated Remodeled Parvati Bhawan which included 1,500 digital lockers, waiting lounge, washrooms and toilets for the devotees.
Parvati Bhawan is linked with the skywalk for the convenience of pilgrims, enabling them to proceed directly to the shrine after depositing their luggage. .
The President complimented the efforts being initiated by Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board under the Chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha towards facilitating the journey and holy Darshans of the pilgrims.
Meanwhile, the Lt Governor, who is also the Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board apprised the President about the initiatives being taken by the Shrine Board for upgrading and expansion of the infrastructure to facilitate pilgrims to the Holy Shrine. These initiatives are aimed at making the yatra more convenient and memorable for pilgrims which is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the Board.
