Shri Mata Vaishno Devi helipad inaugurated
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday inaugurated the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Helipad at Village Hutt, Katra.
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He said that the integrated aviation facility will streamline heli-operations, enhancing heli connectivity, safety and convenience for pilgrims visiting the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji.
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“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 Shri 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 Shri Shiv Khori Shrine.
The enhanced infrastructure will increase footfall at the holy shrine and make travel more convenient for pilgrims visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji who also wish to undertake pilgrimage to Shri Shiv Khori.
Members of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board – Mahamandleshwar Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Dr. Ashok Bhan, Suresh Kumar Sharma, Lalit Bhasin, Kulbushan Ahuja; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB; Kumar Abhishek, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi; Alok Maurya, Additional CEO SMVDSB; senior officials of the Shrine Board, police and District Administration and Border Roads Organization were present at the inaugural ceremony.
Meanwhile, the Lieutenant Governor today dedicated the new Vaishnavi Bhawan at the holy shrine Shri Mata Vaishno Devi to the devotees.
He 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 Lieutenant Governor also paid obeisance at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ji Shrine. He prayed for peace and prosperity of J&K UT and well-being of one and all.
Meanwhile, the Lieutenant Governor also chaired a high-level meeting to discuss the establishment of a state-of-the-art International Museum of Goddess at Katra.
During the deliberations, the Board members and other stakeholders shared their valuable insights and suggestions for creation of a world-class spiritual and cultural landmark. The proposed museum aims to offer pilgrims a deeper understanding of Mata Shakti by seamlessly blending immersive storytelling, artifacts, and rich local traditions with cutting-edge modern technology. The state-of-the-art institution will showcase the sacred iconography of 51 Shakti Peethas alongside the nine divine Swaroops of Maa Durga.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board briefed the meeting on steps taken so far. These include the launch of a dedicated website to invite suggestions from across the globe, study visits by teams to existing premier museums across the country, and the identification of leading domain experts to bring the grand vision to fruition.
The Board approved the creation of a permanent post for a Director General, who will head the International Museum of Goddess alongside a dedicated team of experts and officials. Furthermore, the Board granted approval for a dedicated corpus of funds to seamlessly drive the conceptualization, development, and operations of the prestigious project.
Sinha suggested deputing a team of experts to visit the various sacred Shaktipeeths to be featured in the museum. The Board also resolved to appoint a specialized consultant to spearhead detailed research and architectural conceptualization.
The Museum shall serve as a spiritual sanctuary and a premier center of knowledge. With an integrated library and research center, it will play a pivotal role in awakening the young generation to the rich cultural, traditional, and spiritual values of our Shaktipeeths and the region.
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