Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a significant surge in pilgrim footfall in 2024, with 94.83 lakh devotees visiting the sacred site. This marks the second-highest number of visitors recorded in a decade, according to Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB).
Sharing the milestone, Garg said, “94.83 lakh pilgrims paid obeisance at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in 2024, the second-highest number in a decade.”
This marks the third consecutive year that the shrine has exceeded 90 lakh in annual footfall. On December 12, Garg said that visitor numbers had surpassed 90 lakh for the year, consistent with trends from previous years. “Last year, we crossed 95 lakh, and this year’s yatra has followed a similar pattern,” he said.
Garg emphasized that efforts are underway to enhance facilities for pilgrims, with infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving the overall experience. He highlighted the positive impact of improved connectivity, including projects like the Vande Bharat train and the upcoming Delhi-Katra Express, which are expected to further boost footfall in the region.
“We are continuously working on multiple projects to provide better facilities for devotees. Infrastructure initiatives, such as the New Vaishnavi Bhawan with family rooms, an exit track for smoother crowd movement, and an all-weather queue complex at Darshani Deodi and Banganga, are set to be completed by 2025,” Garg announced in a post on December 8.
(Inputs from ANI)
