Vaishno Devi Yatra Temporarily Halted Amidst Landslides: Essential Safety and Refund Information for Pilgrims

The sacred pilgrimage to the revered shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi has been temporarily suspended, a critical decision made by authorities to ensure the safety of thousands of devotees. This halt comes in the wake of relentless heavy rainfall, which has triggered multiple landslides along the challenging terrain of the Trikuta Hills in Jammu and Kashmir.

Incessant downpours have caused significant landslides, particularly affecting the vital Ardhkuwari-Bhavan track. While dedicated teams from the Shrine Board are working diligently to clear debris and assess the extent of the damage, the path remains unsafe for pilgrim movement. Consequently, all forward journeys towards the Bhawan have been paused, and pilgrims currently in the region are strongly advised to remain in designated safe camps at Katra and Bhawan until further directives are issued.

Understanding the disruption this causes, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has issued clear guidelines for pilgrims whose travel plans have been affected, especially regarding refunds for pre-booked services like helicopter rides and battery car services.

Refund Process for Helicopter Services: Pilgrims who secured advanced bookings for helicopter services, and whose flights have been cancelled due to the yatra suspension, are fully eligible for a complete refund. Typically, this process is automated, with the refund amount being credited back to the original payment method within a few business days. However, for any specific queries or delays, pilgrims are encouraged to contact their respective helicopter service providers (such as Global Vectra Helicorp Ltd. or Himalayan Heli Services Pvt. Ltd.).

Refund Process for Battery Car Services: Similarly, all bookings for battery car services, which operate between Ardhkuwari and Bhawan and are now suspended, will also be eligible for refunds. For online bookings, these refunds are usually processed automatically. Pilgrims who made physical bookings may need to reach out to the SMVDSB offices or designated booking counters once operations resume, or utilize the provided helpline numbers for assistance.

The SMVDSB urges all pilgrims to demonstrate patience and cooperate fully with the authorities during this challenging period. Official channels will provide regular updates regarding the resumption of the yatra. For immediate assistance, concerns about bookings, safety information, or the current status of the pilgrimage, devotees can contact the dedicated helpline numbers of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board:

• +91-1991-234267
• +91-1991-232124

The paramount concern remains the safety of every pilgrim. Authorities are working tirelessly to ensure that the yatra can be resumed as soon as it is absolutely safe to do so. Devotees are encouraged to stay informed through official communications and consider postponing their travel until weather conditions stabilize and the pilgrimage route is fully secured for passage.