Monitor News Bureau
Srinagar, May 08: Governor N.N. Vohra, Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) reviewed the completion of new track to Shrine, called “Tarakote Marg” with Umang Narula, Chief Executive Officer; Dr. M. K. Kumar, Addl. Chief Executive Officer; Anshul Garg, Additional CEO, SMVDSB; M.M. Gupta, Chief Engineer and other concerned officers in a teleconferencing meeting at Raj Bhavan, Srinagar on Tuesday.
At the request of Governor Vohra, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has agreed to formally inaugurate the Tarakote Marg on May 19.
It may be recalled that keeping in view the progressively increasing pilgrimage to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, the Board had approved in February 2011 Governor Vohra’s proposal to construct an alternate track between Banganga and Adhkuwari, to decongest the rush of pilgrims on the existing 6 Km track from Banganga to Adhkuwari and besides provide a pony free route from Katra to Bhawan, which is exclusively meant for use by Yatris who walk to the Shrine.
The alternate 7 km track which is 6 meter wide, has an comfortable gradient, and very attractive wayside amenities. The Tarakote Marg provides the pedestrian pilgrims a cleaner and scenic route which has 2 Bhojanalayas, 4 View Points and 7 Toilet Blocks. The toilet blocks have been provided with facilities for the convenience of elderly pilgrims and for the specially-abled.
A medical unit fully equipped with doctors, paramedics, medicines and equipment has been established to facilitate the pilgrims on 24×7 basis.
The entire track is based on a ramp type design, without any steps and has an average and smooth gradient of one in 12 which, with interlocking antiskid tiles, makes it easier for walking. The entire track has been aesthetically landscaped and over 46000 ornamental plants, herbs, flowering and avenue trees have been planted to improve the ambience of the track and three floating fountains have been installed in water bodies along the track.
