A landslide triggered by heavy rainfall struck the new track to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district on Monday, June 23, prompting the suspension of the battery car service on the affected route. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, officials confirmed.
The landslide occurred near the Satya View Point along the Himkoti route—one of the newer, eco-friendly paths used by devotees travelling to the sacred shrine atop Trikuta hills. At the time of the incident, there was no pilgrim movement in the immediate area, averting any casualties.
In response to the disruption, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board swiftly diverted pilgrims to the traditional old route. Authorities assured that the pilgrimage is continuing smoothly via this alternative path without any major inconvenience to visitors.
Debris from the landslide reportedly covered more than 30 feet of the new track. The shrine board deployed personnel and machinery immediately after the incident to begin clearance operations and restore normal movement as soon as possible.
Battery car services, which usually operate on the Himkoti route to assist elderly and differently-abled pilgrims, remain suspended until the path is deemed safe.
The region has been experiencing heavy monsoon rains, and officials are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of the thousands of pilgrims visiting the revered shrine daily.
While minor weather-related disruptions are not uncommon during the monsoon season, the shrine board has reiterated its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access and safety through well-coordinated contingency measures.
(With inputs from PTI)
