Associated News Bureau

LG Manoj Sinha Inaugurates Modern Vaishno Devi Helipad, Boosts Pilgrim Connectivity and Religious Tourism

Jammu, May 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday inaugurated the state-of-the-art Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Helipad at Village Hutt in Katra, marking a major step towards strengthening heli-connectivity and enhancing facilities for pilgrims visiting the revered shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji. Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor said the integrated aviation facility would streamline heli-operations while significantly improving safety, accessibility and convenience for devotees undertaking pilgrimage to the holy shrine. He stated that the helipad has been developed in strict accordance with the safety and operational standards prescribed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), with special emphasis on passenger safety, security and seamless travel experience. “The facility has been designed to meet the growing demand for heli-services among pilgrims and will provide a major boost to religious tourism in the region,” the Lieutenant Governor said. The project has been jointly undertaken by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board for the development of modern heliport infrastructure at Village Hutt, Katra, and Shiv Khori to ensure safe, efficient and accessible helicopter travel for pilgrims. According to officials, the infrastructure has been developed on the basis of technical inputs from DGCA and operational assessments conducted by the Shrine Board. The facility is equipped to handle increased passenger movement and enhanced helicopter operations, including the 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-kilometre approach road, expansion of terminal facilities with waiting halls, ticketing and refund counters, reception areas, offices and security cabins, besides establishment of a modern hangar and associated operational facilities. Additional provisions such as parking facilities, sanitation, utility services, emergency response systems, security arrangements and queue management infrastructure have also been incorporated to ensure smooth heliport operations. Officials said the project aims to create adequate operational capacity for present and future helicopter traffic while also addressing safety concerns arising from helicopter movement over Katra town. The facility will further streamline heli-services through centralized management by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and facilitate integrated pilgrimage connectivity between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and Shri Shiv Khori shrines from a common heliport. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated the helipad and related infrastructure works at the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine. The enhanced facilities are expected to increase pilgrim footfall and make travel more convenient for devotees visiting both shrines. Among those present on the occasion were members of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, including Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Dr Ashok Bhan, Shri Suresh Kumar Sharma, Shri Lalit Bhasin and Shri Kulbushan Ahuja; Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari; Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar; CEO SMVDSB Sachin Kumar Vaishya; Deputy Commissioner Reasi Kumar Abhishek; Additional CEO SMVDSB Alok Maurya, besides senior officers from the Shrine Board, police, civil administration and Border Roads Organisation.