| Governor inaugurates Shailputri Bhawan, Yatra Exit Route; lays foundations of Ropeway Projects | | |
KATRA: Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, who is the Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, visited the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji today and reviewed the various ongoing development schemes of the Shrine Board.
The Governor was accompanied by Mr. H. L. Maini, Board Member and Technical Consultant; Mr. Navin K. Choudhary, Chief Executive Officer; Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Additional CEO, and other concerned Board Officers.
To add additional facilities for meeting the needs of the progressively increasing number of Pilgrims who visit the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, the Governor has been laying very high priority to enlarge the logistical framework. This afternoon he inaugurated the Shailputri Bhawan at Adhkuwari. This Dormitory Complex has been constructed by the Shrine Board to augment the accommodation facilities for the pilgrims, particularly those who visit Adhkuwari for Darshan of holy Garab Joon and wait for hours for their turn to pay obeisance, during bad weather, rainy season and winter. This 5-storey building comprises 17 Dormitories, a Reception Counter, Blanket Store and toilets/bathrooms for ladies and gents on each floor. With a built up area of about 22,000 square feet, the Dormitories have lockers for each of the 422 persons who can stay here everyday. The Shailputri Bhawan has been constructed at a cost of Rs. 3.46 crore.
The Governor went around the Sahilaputri Bhawan and took stock of the facilities made available for the pilgrims. He issued instructions for ensuring the best upkeep of this facility.
The Governor also laid the foundation stones for Bhairon Ghati Passenger Ropeway and Trikuta Hills Material Ropeway. The Bhairon Ghati Passenger Ropeway is being constructed by the Shrine Board with a view to facilitate the pilgrims who have to undertake an arduous climb from Bhawan to the Bhairon Ghati. This prestigious project will be completed within a period of two years at an estimated cost of Rs. 54.67 crore and shall have the capacity to carry 800 pilgrims per hour.
The Trikuta Hills Material Ropeway being installed between Siar Dabri near Katra and Bhawan for facilitating the carriage of material from Katra to Bhawan. This facility will also be completed within a period of two years involving an expenditure of Rs. 8.54 crore. The system shall have a carrying capacity of five tons per hour.
The Governor also inaugurated the Yatra Exit Route at Bhawan which has been constructed at a cost of Rs. 39.94 lakh, as part of the remodeling of structures with a view to decongesting the Bhawan area. A fleet of about 100 stairs has been constructed in the vacant area between Durga Bhawan and Saraswati Bhawan, which connects the Upper Track with the Lower Track.
Earlier, the Governor, who is on a 2-day visit of Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji Shrine area to undertake a spot review of facilities for the pilgrims, inspected various development works enroute Sanjichhat to Bhawan and, thereafter, from Bhawan to Adhkuwari. He issued instructions for bringing about continuing improvements in the facilities for the progressively increasing number of Yatris which crossed 1.05 crore last year. He directed the replacement of the worn out tiles on the tracks as also the GIC sheets of the Shelter Sheds. Earlier, on arrival at Sanjichhat Helipad, the Governor was received by Mr. H. L. Maini, Board Member and Technical Consultant; Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Additional CEO, Mr. Raghubir Singh, SSP, Reasi, Mr. Mohan Lal, SP, Katra and other concerned Board Officers. |
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