Ramesh Inspects under-construction helipad at Hutt village near Katra
Reasi : Divisional Commissioner Jammu and Chairman of Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board (SSKSB), Ramesh Kumar on Wednesday conducted an extensive review of the ongoing development works being executed by the Shiv Khori Shrine Board in Ransoo
He also visited Katra and conducted site inspection of development projects there.
Deputy Commissioner Reasi Nidhi Malik, CEO Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Sachin Kumar, SSP Reasi Paramvir Singh, besides senior officers from BRO, PWD, Tourism, Health attended the meeting.
Commencing the tour from Katra, the Divisional Commissioner inspected the under-construction helipad at Hutt village near Katra. He directed the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to ensure the completion of the helipad by December 2025, emphasizing that the approach road and retaining wall should also be completed at the earliest.
The concerned official of BRO was instructed to submit a weekly progress report to the Deputy Commissioner Reasi.
The Divisional Commissioner also reviewed progress of other ongoing works including the frisking point, ticket counter building and car parking facility.
Later, the Divisional Commissioner chaired a review meeting at the TRC Building, Ransoo, to assess the progress of development works undertaken by the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board.
The meeting featured detailed discussions on key projects such as blacktopping of the Kanda–Ransoo road, repair and renovation of Gauri Bhawan, construction of the toilet complex at the bus stand and improvement works along the Yatra track including installation of oversheds and a public address system.
The Divisional Commissioner laid special emphasis on the upgradation of road infrastructure, directing the PWD to expedite the blacktopping work for smooth access to the shrine. The Tourism Department was instructed to ensure that pending works are executed in a time-bound and fast-track manner.
Regarding healthcare facilities for the devotees, the Divisional Commissioner directed the Health Department to ensure the availability of one doctor at Ransoo and paramedic staff at the Bhawan, with two ambulances deployed—one each at Ransoo and on the track, fully equipped with drivers and necessary facilities.
The Divisional Commissioner also discussed new proposals aimed at enhancing pilgrim amenities and the overall shrine infrastructure. He directed the Executive Officer, SSKSB, to review the progress of works monthly and submit reports to his office, while the Tehsildar shall inspect the works one every 15 days to monitor on-ground progress.
During his visit to the Yatra track, the Divisional Commissioner inspected various points and instructed for additional benches near the viewpoint and bathing ghat, along with the installation of more garbage bins to maintain cleanliness along the route.
The Divisional Commissioner reiterated the commitment of the administration to develop Shiv Khori Shrine as a major spiritual and tourist destination, ensuring improved facilities and a better pilgrimage experience for devotees.
