Katra: Violent protests against the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board’s ropeway project escalated on Monday as mule operators, palanquin bearers, and shopkeepers clashed with police forces, leading to stone-pelting incidents. Several individuals sustained injuries during the confrontation, which reflects mounting tension over fears of livelihood losses.
The ₹250 crore ropeway project, spanning a 12-km route from Tarakot Marg to Sanjhi Chhat, promises to significantly reduce the time taken by pilgrims to reach the Vaishno Devi temple. Currently, the journey takes 6-7 hours on foot or via mules and palanquins, but the ropeway is expected to complete the same route in just 1 hour. Pilgrims will be transported from Katra to Sanjhi Chhat in 6 minutes, accommodating 1,000 passengers per hour.
Despite its benefits to pilgrims, the project has sparked strong opposition from local laborers and shopkeepers, who claim the new infrastructure threatens their primary source of income. Protesters, led by Mazdoor Sangh President Bhupinder Singh Jamwal and Shiv Sena (UBT) State President Manish Sahni, demanded compensation of ₹20 lakh for every affected individual and a rehabilitation plan.
Reasi SSP Paramvir Singh stated that protests have been ongoing for three days, and while authorities are making efforts to restore order, Monday’s events marked a significant escalation. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha defended the project, highlighting its aim to ensure faster, safer travel for pilgrims. Shrine Board CEO Anshul Garg emphasized the project’s benefits, asserting that it has received all necessary approvals.
Protesters argue that the project will render hundreds of mule operators, palanquin bearers, and small shop owners jobless. “Each affected citizen must be compensated adequately, or we will intensify our protests,” Jamwal said.
The Vaishno Devi shrine remains a major pilgrimage destination, with over 86 lakh visitors recorded this year. Officials predict that the total figure will cross 1 crore by year-end.
