Vaishno Devi Yatra: Devotees must start within 10 hrs of RFID, return in 24

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has imposed strict time limits on devotees undertaking the annual Vaishno Devi Yatra, with immediate effect to manage the crowd and ensure pilgrim safety.

According to the new rules, pilgrims must return to the base camp in Katra within 24 hours after beginning the journey and begin their ascent within 10 hours of getting their Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) travel card.

This is a revision from previous rules that did not have a set limit for completing the darshan and returning and devotees were allowed to start their yatra whenever they wanted during the RFID card's 12-hour validity period.Earlier, pilgrims often slept or lingered at different locations along the route due to the lack of a return date, particularly during busy times, which increased traffic and raised safety issues.

The revised 10-hour start and 24-hour return limitations, according to temple board officials, are meant to avoid congestion at key points, such as the Bhawan complex and important rest areas, particularly during the New Year's rush when thousands of devotees often visit the shrine.

All pilgrims will be subject to these directives, regardless of whether they travel by foot, helicopter, or battery vehicle. The primary goal of putting these new directives into effect is to manage the growing crowds during the Maa Vaishno Devi pilgrimage and avoid any potential stampedes.

According to the Shrine Board management, the new directives were put in place for the devotees' comfort and security. The changes will reduce traffic jams, ease pilgrims' movement, and lower the possibility of overcrowding-related tragedies.

Devotees often come across resting negligently in the Bhavan complex or other sacred locations during the journey to Maa Vaishno Devi, particularly on busy days, which raises the possibility of congestion. The Shrine Board has issued fresh directives to manage this issue.

Additionally, the registration centre located at the entrance of the new Tarakote route to Maa Vaishno Devi is now open around the clock for the convenience of devotees, making it easier for those making the pilgrimage late at night.

The shrine board has been working on various crowd-management projects for a number of years in addition to the deadlines. These include the creation of infrastructure initiatives, including a proposed ropeway from Katra to Sanjichhat, to make the pilgrimage safer and more accessible for all devotees, and the use of real-time tracking via RFID scans throughout the walk route.