Katra, Nov 23: Thousands of pilgrims visiting the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine are grappling with difficulties as a 72-hour strike by local stakeholders opposing the proposed ropeway project entered its second day on Saturday. The protest, spearheaded by track shopkeepers, pony operators, and palanquin bearers, has disrupted essential services along the 12-kilometer pilgrimage route to the shrine atop the Trikuta hills.
The strike was triggered by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board’s decision to revive a long-pending ₹250-crore ropeway project connecting Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat. Local stakeholders fear the project threatens their livelihoods, which are heavily dependent on assisting pilgrims in their journey to the shrine.
While businesses in Katra town—the base camp for the pilgrimage—remained operational, shops along the track route from Ban Ganga to Charan Paduka observed a complete shutdown in solidarity with the protesters. Additionally, the suspension of pony and palanquin services left pilgrims, including elderly and differently-abled individuals, struggling to complete their journey to the shrine.
Protesters gathered at Shalimar Park in Katra and staged a peaceful sit-in, voicing their opposition to the Shrine Board’s plans. Slogans condemning the project echoed through the gathering, which included local leaders and community members.
Speaking at the protest, senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Jamwal urged the government to devise a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for those likely to be affected by the project. “We stand united in opposing this ropeway project. The government must ensure that livelihoods are protected and that affected individuals receive adequate support,” he said.
A Shopkeepers’ Association representative accused the authorities of reneging on past assurances to consider local concerns. “We have opposed this project for years. The government had previously assured us that our livelihoods would not be jeopardized, but now they’ve moved ahead without addressing our concerns,” he said, warning that the strike could escalate if their demands remain unmet.
The Shrine Board has defended the project, highlighting its potential to provide a safer, faster, and more convenient travel option for pilgrims, especially during peak seasons. According to the board, the ropeway, expected to be completed in two years, will also enhance safety by reducing the strain on the overcrowded track.
However, stakeholders argue that the project risks disrupting the region’s economy, which is intricately tied to pilgrimage-related services. They believe the livelihoods of thousands of families, including shopkeepers, transport operators, and laborers, will be severely affected.
With the strike ending on Sunday, protesters have vowed to intensify their agitation if their concerns are not addressed. As the standoff continues, pilgrims are urging authorities to find a resolution that balances development with preserving local livelihoods.