PM Modi to soon inaugurate Tarakote Marg, an alternate route to Vaishno Devi Shrine

New Delhi, May 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will finally inaugurate Tarakote Marg, an alternate seven-kilometre track to the famous Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir on May 19 of this year.

 

Notably, PM Modi on Tuesday agreed to formally inaugurate the Tarakote Marg on May 19 at the request of Governor N N Vohra who is also a Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB). The Vaishno Devi Shrine Board had approved in Governor Vohra's proposal to construct an alternate track between Banganga and Adhkuwari, to decongest the rush of pilgrims on the existing six km track in February 2011.

Chief Executive Officer of the board Umang Narula said that the new track would be opened to pilgrims from the morning of May 13. "The Tarakote Marg provides pedestrian pilgrims a cleaner and scenic route which has two 'bhojanalayas', four viewpoints and seven toilet blocks the have been provided with facilities for the convenience of elderly pilgrims and for the specially-abled," Umang Narula added.

Umang Narula further noted that the track has been aesthetically landscaped and over 46000 ornamental plants, herbs, flowering and avenue trees have been planted to improve the ambience and three floating fountains have been installed in water bodies along the track.

Importantly, the Tarakote Marg provides pedestrian pilgrims a cleaner and scenic route which has two 'bhojanalayas', four viewpoints and seven toilet blocks the have been provided with facilities for the convenience of elderly pilgrims and for the specially-abled. A medical unit with doctors, paramedics, medicines and equipment had been established to facilitate pilgrims round-the-clock.

The track is also illuminated with the 500 energy efficient LED lights beside DG sets have been installed for ensuring round the clock power supply. To provide high quality filtered drinking water free of cost to the pilgrims, 16 Water ATMs have been installed at approximate intervals of 400-500 meters. The entire track has been covered with blue-roofed sturdy shelter sheds for the safety of pilgrims against shooting stones and for protecting them from rain and sunshine.