KATRA, Feb 9 — The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board on Sunday approved enhancement of the insurance cover for pilgrims from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, along with a series of decisions to improve pilgrim safety, infrastructure and regional development around the Vaishno Devi shrine.
The decisions were taken at a meeting chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also Chairman of the Shrine Board.
“With millions of devotees visiting the shrine every year, pilgrim safety and convenience remain our foremost priority,” Sinha said, as the Board cleared the higher insurance cover for every registered pilgrim undertaking the yatra.
The Board also approved three major cultural initiatives — the establishment of an international museum dedicated to the spiritual heritage of Maa Shakti, a light-and-sound show inspired by global pilgrimage destinations, and the production of a documentary on the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.
The proposed Shakti Museum, to be developed in consultation with the Asian Heritage Foundation at Natali in Katra, is envisioned as a religious, educational and cultural centre. The Lieutenant Governor asked officials to submit concrete proposals so that the project can be initiated in the coming months and completed within two years.
In another key decision, the Shrine Board approved the setting up of free coaching centres for NEET aspirants from surrounding areas and cleared the recruitment process to fill vacant posts in the organisation, which is expected to begin shortly.
Addressing environmental and livelihood concerns, the Board approved formulation and phased implementation of a rehabilitation plan for service providers on the yatra track, including pony operators, in line with directions of the National Green Tribunal.
A committee was also constituted to examine measures for increasing pilgrim footfall and improving the overall pilgrimage experience, and to submit recommendations to the Board.
Reaffirming its commitment to local economic development, the Shrine Board resolved to prioritise procurement from self-help groups, women and young local entrepreneurs. It also decided that offerings associated with the shrine would increasingly be sourced locally.
Sinha said the Board would contribute to its overall development. “It is the Board’s resolve to make Katra clean, vibrant and equipped with modern infrastructure for residents and the millions who arrive as pilgrims,” he said.
The Board also decided to promote sports development across the Jammu region to encourage youth participation and improve sports infrastructure. Specialised training programmes for pujaris were also approved.
During the meeting, the Board reviewed progress of major infrastructure projects, including the Exit Track at Bhawan, the New Vaishnavi Bhawan, widening of the yatra track from Sanjichhat to Bhawan, slope stabilisation works, construction of the Shri Shankaracharya Ji Temple and allied facilities at Katra, and the School for Divyangjan at Chaitanya Ashram, Jammu. Officials were directed to ensure strict adherence to timelines and safety standards.
On the newly developed helipad at village Hutt, the Board approved a one-time financial grant to the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board for upgrading pilgrim infrastructure, following execution of a revised Memorandum of Understanding. It was also decided that heli services for both shrines would operate from the same helipad for the convenience of pilgrims.
The Board appreciated community welfare initiatives undertaken by the Shrine Board, including the renovation of 15 schools in Reasi and Udhampur districts damaged during heavy rains in August–September 2025.
It also approved grant-in-aid for institutions run by the SMVD Charitable Society, including the Gurukul, Hospital, Sports Complex and College of Nursing, and welcomed the establishment of a Sadhna Kaksh (meditation hall) at Bhawan to enhance the spiritual experience of pilgrims.