New Vaishno Devi accommodation facility inaugurated by Manoj Sinha
JAMMU, MAY 21, 2026 — Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha dedicated the new Vaishnavi Bhawan at the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi to devotees today.
During the inauguration, Manoj Sinha highlighted that the new facility will significantly enhance pilgrim accommodation capacity, improve overall amenities, and establish a modern, efficient, and comfortable infrastructure designed to handle the growing influx of devotees.
The project was conceptualized under a comprehensive Master Plan for the shrine and its extended areas. Recognizing the need for upgraded infrastructure, the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board approved the redevelopment of the Pannishalla area, which previously housed staff quarters, into a Yatri-cum-Staff Accommodation complex.Spanning an area of approximately 45,784 square feet, the new Vaishnavi Bhawan features 78 well-furnished rooms for pilgrims.
Construction on the building began in February 2024 and reached completion within a two-year timeframe.The ground floor of the complex houses reception and waiting areas, a manager’s office, and a staff mess with a kitchen to ensure efficient operational management.
Additionally, a Bhojanalaya is located on the terrace to cater to both pilgrims and staff. To ensure ease of access, the building features five lifts, including three passenger lifts with a 26-person capacity, a service lift, and a connecting lift that links the facility directly with Parvati Bhawan.
During his visit, Manoj Sinha also paid obeisance at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, praying for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of Jammu and Kashmir.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by members of the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, including Mahamandleshwar Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Ashok Bhan, Suresh Kumar Sharma, Lalit Bhasin, and Kulbushan Ahuja. Principal Secretary Mandeep K Bhandari, IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, Shrine Board CEO Sachin Kumar Vaishya, DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range Shiv Kumar Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Reasi Kumar Abhishek, Additional CEO Alok Maurya, and other senior officials were also present.