Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor opens new helipad for Vaishno Devi and Shiv Khori pilgrims

JAMMU, MAY 21, 2026 :- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the new Mata Vaishno Devi Helipad at Hutt Village in Katra on Thursday. The integrated aviation facility is designed to streamline helicopter operations, improve connectivity, and enhance safety and convenience for devotees visiting the holy shrine.

Developed in compliance with safety and operational norms set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the facility focuses on passenger security and a seamless travel experience to meet the growing demand for helicopter services while boosting religious tourism in the region.

The project is a collaborative effort between the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and the Shiv Khori Shrine Board, who have developed modern helipad infrastructure at both Katra and Shiv Khori. Designed based on technical inputs from aviation regulators, the new facility expands passenger handling and helicopter operational capacity, with plans to eventually shift existing operations from the Serli Helipad to Hutt Village.

The upgrades are expected to increase footfall and provide seamless travel for pilgrims looking to visit both holy sites.The newly inaugurated infrastructure includes a dedicated helipad, a one-kilometer approach road, and an expanded terminal building equipped with waiting halls, ticketing counters, reception areas, and security cabins.

A modern hangar facility and essential utility services like parking, emergency response systems, and sanitation have also been established. This centralized management by the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board aims to professionalize flight services and eliminate safety concerns related to low-flying helicopters over Katra town.The event also marked the inauguration of the helipad and related infrastructure works at the Shiv Khori Shrine.

Present at the inaugural ceremony were Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board members Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Ashok Bhan, Suresh Kumar Sharma, Lalit Bhasin, and Kulbushan Ahuja. They were joined by Principal Secretary Mandeep K Bhandari, Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar, Shrine Board Chief Executive Officer Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Reasi Deputy Commissioner Kumar Abhishek, and senior officials from the police, district administration, and Border Roads Organization.