Jammu: The much-awaited resumption of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has been put on hold once more due to persistent rainfall and unsafe conditions along the pilgrimage route. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) confirmed that the yatra, which was scheduled to restart today after a 19-day suspension, will remain postponed until further notice.
The pilgrimage had originally been halted on August 26 following a deadly landslide that struck the route leading to the shrine, claiming the lives of 34 devotees and injuring at least 20 others. Authorities have since been monitoring weather and track conditions closely, with safety remaining a top priority.
“Due to incessant rain at Bhawan and the track, commencement of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra scheduled from September 14 stands postponed till further order. Devotees are requested to stay updated through official communication channels,” the Shrine Board stated in an official update shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday.
Heavy and unrelenting rainfall has continued to trigger landslides and disrupt key routes in the region, including the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. The damage to roads and infrastructure has made access to the shrine increasingly difficult, forcing officials to delay the reopening of the pilgrimage for a second time.
Safety Measures in Place
As part of precautionary measures ahead of the expected surge in pilgrims during the upcoming Shardiya Navratras (September 22 – October 1), the Shrine Board has announced plans to reintroduce wireless communication sets along the pilgrimage route. The move is aimed at enhancing coordination and ensuring timely response in case of emergencies.
“The board is expecting a significant number of pilgrims during Navratras, not only at the shrine but also at the base camp in Katra,” said the Shrine Board’s Chief Executive Officer. He emphasized the importance of coordination among various agencies and departments to manage the anticipated crowd safely.
