CTTIK Seeks Amarnath Facilitation Centre At Katra
04/06/2026
Jammu, June 04 (KIP)- Today Chamber of Tourism Trade & Industry Katra (CTTIK) submitted a detailed representation to Shri Sachin Kumar Vaishya ( IAS) Chief Executive Officer, SMVD Shrine Board Katra seeking several important initiatives aimed at enhancing pilgrim convenience and promoting the welfare of the local population of Katra.
Raj Kumar Padha president CTTIK strongly advocated for the establishment of an Amarnath Yatra Facilitation Centre at Katra. Highlighting Katra's significance as the base camp for lakhs of pilgrims visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji every year, the representation pointed out that a large number of devotees undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra also pass through Katra before proceeding towards the holy cave shrine. At present due to the absence of dedicated facilitation and registration services for the Amarnath Yatra at Katra, pilgrims are compelled to travel back to Jammu to complete various formalities and make onward travel arrangements. With the recent enhancement of rail connectivity enabling pilgrims after prescribed screening and formalities to travel directly from Katra to Srinagar, the Chamber emphasized that the establishment of an Amarnath Yatra Facilitation Centre at Katra has become both relevant and necessary.
Atul Sharma secretary CTTIK requested the Shrine Board to take up the matter with the concerned authorities for the creation of a dedicated facilitation centre offering registration assistance, information services, medical guidance, transport facilitation and other support services related to the Amarnath Yatra. It was further suggested that services relating to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra and Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra be integrated and coordinated to ensure a seamless pilgrimage experience. The Chamber stated that such a facility would not only greatly benefit pilgrims but would also contribute significantly to the local economy by increasing tourist stay, business activity and employment opportunities in Katra.
As part of its proposals for community welfare the Chamber also sought the introduction of a special concession scheme for the permanent residents of Katra at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital Kakryal. The representation requested that local residents be provided access to medical consultations, diagnostic services and treatment at subsidized rates. According to the Chamber this initiative would improve access to quality healthcare for the people of Katra, strengthen the Shrine Board's welfare initiatives and enhance utilization of the hospital's advanced medical facilities.
Neelam Singh executive member CTTIK requested the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to consider providing educational concessions for the children of Katra at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University. The proposal includes reservation of seats and subsidized tuition fees for local students in various academic programmes, particularly those where seats often remain vacant. He stated that such a policy would enable deserving students from Katra to pursue higher education at affordable costs, reduce the need for students to seek educational opportunities outside Jammu & Kashmir, improve enrollment levels in underutilized courses and strengthen the relationship between the University and the local community.
During the meeting Shri Sachin Kumar Vaishya patiently heard the submissions and concerns raised by the Chamber. He appreciated the constructive suggestions put forth by CTTIK and expressed his willingness to take up these initiatives at the appropriate level for their early consideration and addressal. He also assured the delegation of his full cooperation and support towards various pilgrim welfare initiatives and efforts aimed at the promotion of pilgrimage tourism in the region.
Raj Kumar Padha expressed confidence that these proposals would significantly contribute towards promoting pilgrimage tourism, strengthening local welfare and ensuring the inclusive development of Katra as one of India's most prominent religious and tourism destinations. CTTIK conveyed its gratitude to the CEO, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board for his positive response and proactive approach and expressed hope that the proposed measures would be implemented in the larger interest of pilgrims and the local community.