Title - VAISHNO DEVI PILGRIMAGE Guv for making Katra railway station pilgrim-friendly

Srinagar: Governor NN Vohra has emphasised the importance of timely putting in place all facilities for the Vaishno Devi yatra at Katra Railway Station well before the Udhampur-Katra sector of the Udhampur-Katra-Qazigund-Baramulla rail link project becomes operational around March 2013.He said this during a meeting with NC Goyal, Divisional Railway Manager, Ferozepur Division, Northern Railway, who called on him here this evening.Observing that on an estimate around 80 lakh pilgrims would de-board at Katra Railway Station from next year, the Governor, who is also the Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, stressed effective cooperation between the Railways and the Shrine Board to facilitate the pilgrims and commuters to and from Katra Railway Station.The Governor observed that the Shrine Board should establish all required facilities at the railway station, including information and inquiry counters and registration facilities. It would also be necessary to assess the requirements of waiting halls, eateries, bath, latrine and locker facilities.Goyal informed the Governor about facilities which the Northern Railway was planning to provide at Katra Railway Station and assured all required support to the Shrine Board for putting in place pilgrim-centric facilities at the railway station.

It was decided that Navin K Choudhary, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, would have further discussions with Railways officials at Katra on September 30.

It was agreed in principle to explore the possibility of a pilgrim travelling by train be automatically registered for the yatra, on a given date, so that his train ticket is virtually his yatra permit.

Goyal also briefed the Governor about various time-bound steps taken by the Northern Railway to reduce congestion at the Jammu Railway Station, improve cleanliness and enable advance bookings.

The CEO told Goyal that the Governor had talked to the Minister for Tourism regarding problems being faced by the pilgrims at Jammu Railway Station, besides written to the Chairman of the Railway Board.