72-Hour Blockade in Katra Over Vaishno Devi Ropeway Project

Local business owners organized a 72-hour blockade in Katra to protest the Mata Vaishno Devi ropeway project.

The Mata Vaishno Devi ropeway project in the Jammu region encountered a 72-hour blockade beginning December 25 in Katra.

Local business owners, including shopkeepers and pony wallas, participated in the bandh organized by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangarsh Samiti, pledging to suspend all activities in the town throughout the protest.

They declared that Katra would remain completely shut during the demonstration.

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What is the project

Last month, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board announced plans to install a ropeway to assist elderly people, children, and others who struggle with the 13-kilometre trek to the cave shrine.

The proposed ₹250-crore project aims to connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat, which leads to the temple.

The committee stated that the initiative jeopardized the livelihoods of local laborers, shopkeepers, and service providers who depend on the traditional pilgrimage route.

Residents and workers have expressed concerns that the ropeway project could lead to job losses for them.

Tensions flared in Katra as police used lathi-charge to disperse protesters opposing the ropeway project. Several demonstrators were also arrested.

Following the protests against the proposed ropeway to the Vaishno Devi temple, security forces conducted a flag march to maintain peace in the town.

Pilgrims expressed their frustration with the closures, stating that the shutdown of restaurants and suspension of local transit caused significant inconvenience.

A pilgrim told reporters, “We are facing many difficulties. During this three-day bandh, where will the pilgrims eat and rest? Protesting like this is not right. Thousands of pilgrims are suffering, and we respectfully urge the organizers to call off the strike.”

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