Katra observes shutdown, protests against proposed Tarakote-Sanji Chhat ropeway project

Katra, 28-02-2023 : On Tuesday, in Katra town of Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir, hundreds of traders observed a total shutdown in protest against the proposed Tarakote-Sanji Chhat ropeway project. The local traders took out a protest rally and staged a sit-in outside the office of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board amidst slogans.

The protesting traders have demanded the cancellation of the proposed passenger ropeway project between Tarakote Marg and Sanji Chhat along the 12-km track to the revered shrine atop the Trikuta hills in Reasi district. As per reports, the proposed ropeway project is worth 250 crore rupees and will be 2.4 km long. Officials have stated that the project will be completed in three years and will enable pilgrims to reach the temple complex in just six minutes, as compared to the five to six hour trek.

The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, who is also the chairman of the Shrine Board, had announced during his visit to Katra on February 20 that the tender process for the ropeway for the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine is in its final phase and the project will be undertaken with “utmost sensitivity” to safeguard the interests of local businesses. However, the protesting traders opposed the decision alleging that the local business will get completely affected if the ropeway project takes off from Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat.

In May 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated Tarakote Marg, an alternate seven-kilometre track to the temple which is less steep and with an easier gradient. The Shrine Board had stated that the new track would provide an easier and more comfortable route for the pilgrims. In 2022, 91.25 lakh pilgrims visited the shrine, which is the highest in nearly a decade.

The protesting traders have announced that they will submit a memorandum to the Shrine Board requesting the cancellation of the proposed ropeway project. The matter is expected to be resolved through dialogue and consultation between the Shrine Board and the traders to find a way forward that addresses the concerns of both parties.