Registration mandatory for Vaishno Devi Yatra; Shrine board issues fresh guidelines ahead of New Year rush

Jammu, Dec 23 (KINS): Ahead of New Year celebrations and an anticipated surge in pilgrim arrivals, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has issued fresh guidelines, reiterating that Yatra registration at Katra is mandatory for all devotees undertaking the pilgrimage.

The Shrine Board clarified that the first and most crucial step for pilgrims upon reaching Katra is Yatra registration, which is conducted at the Yatri Registration Counter (YRC) near the Katra Bus Stand. The process is carried out exclusively by the Shrine Board, the only statutory authority authorised to issue Yatra registration. No private or public agency is permitted to register pilgrims.

The registration process is free of cost and fully computerised. During registration, pilgrims’ basic details are recorded, a photograph is captured on the spot, and an RFID-enabled Yatra Access Card is issued. This card serves as official permission to proceed towards the Shrine.

As per the guidelines, pilgrims must cross the Banganga check post, located about 1.5 km from the YRC, within six hours of issuance of the RFID card. Failure to do so will lead to confiscation of the card, requiring fresh registration.

The Board has made it clear that no pilgrim without a valid RFID Yatra Access Card will be allowed beyond the Banganga check post. In rare cases where a pilgrim is found en route or at the Bhawan without the card, he or she will be turned back and may face disciplinary action.

To ease congestion and reduce waiting time at the main registration centre, the Shrine Board has operationalised a second registration counter, YRC-II, near the second bus stand on Udhampur Road, approximately one kilometre from the main YRC.

Keeping in view the carrying capacity of the Holy Trikuta Mountain, only 30,000 to 35,000 pilgrims per day will be allowed for darshan. During peak rush, when arrivals exceed this limit, pilgrims will be required to wait at Katra, and no fresh registrations will be issued temporarily.

Pilgrims have been advised to check the Yatra status on the official Shrine Board website before commencing their journey. The Board said mandatory registration helps regulate pilgrim flow on the track and at the Shrine Complex, prevents overcrowding and accidents, and ensures the availability of essential facilities such as food and drinking water.(KINS)