Jammu: There’s a good news for Vaishno Devi pilgrims. The Vaishno Devi shrine board is expected to announce a new route from Katra to Ardhkuwari ahead of Navratri festival.
The seven-km stretch will be opened to pilgrims as soon the work at checking posts and sheds are completed.
The ‘palki’ and horse owners are protesting against the new route. According to the CEO of the Shrine Board, the route will only for those pilgrims, who wish to trek the route. The other modes of transportation will not be allowed to venture. Though, the new route is just 500 metre short, but is so wide that in case of emergency, an ambulance could easily reach the needy.
The route will do away with the steep climb on the Ardhkuwari and Haathi Matha stretch.
The administration has laid non-slippery tiles on the route.
By next year, the Shrine Board plans to introduce the Udan Khatola (Roap-way) service.
IIT Mumbai has designed a palki, which will be very comfortable for the traveller as well the people who carry it on their shoulders. Audio systems are being placed to warns pilgrims in times of emergency.
The entire route is being covered with a roof top which could withstand small stones.