President Murmu opens facilities at Vaishno Devi shrine

President Droupadi Murmu, who is on a two-day visit to J&K, on Thursday inaugurated multiple facilities at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu’s Katra and paid her respects at the sanctum sanctorum.

An official spokesman said the President inaugurated pilgrim-centric facilities, including a 250-meter long and 2.5-meter-wide pedestrian flyover, or skywalk. The project is at an elevation of 20 feet above the existing track and was built at a cost of ₹15.69 crore.

“The skywalk has wooden flooring for devotees’ comfort in harsh weather, a waiting hall, seating for about 150 pilgrims, LED screens, rest rooms and two emergency exits,” the spokesman said.