J&K: New helipad inaugurated by LG in Katra to boost Vaishno Devi, Shiv Khori connectivity

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha on Thursday inaugurated a newly-constructed helipad in Katra to streamline helicopter services for pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi and Shiv Khori shrines.

The facility, built at a cost of around Rs 27 crore, will improve connectivity and provide major relief to devotees travelling to the twin shrines, officials said, adding that helicopter services from Katra to Shiv Khori will commence soon.

Addressing reporters after inaugurating the helipad at Katra, Sinha said the Mata Vaishno Devi Board and the Shiv Khori Board -- both civil authorities -- have jointly developed the facility.

''It is a very modern heliport, designed keeping in view passenger facilities and with full emphasis on safety,'' he said.

The LG said the heliport has been constructed in accordance with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation's (DGCA) norms.

''From here, devotees visiting Shiv Khori can also travel by helicopter for darshan. As demand for helicopter services was increasing, especially among Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims, we decided to construct a modern and highly-safe helipad as per the DGCA norms,'' he said.

Sinha expressed hope that improved facilities would benefit devotees at both shrines and boost religious tourism in the region.

Katra already has two helipads at Katra city and Sanjichat to ferry pilgrims visiting the cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)