The Navratri rush at Vaishno Devi is all set to reduce significantly as vaishno devi shrine board has  opened another tunnel connecting to the cave.  In all there are now three tunnels and one natural cave. Natural Cave is totally closed and opens only in winter when there are very little pilgrims. Rest of the tunnels are opened and closed depending on number of pilgrims visiting the shrine.

vaishno devi tunnelOn an average, the shrine attracts 30,000-32,000 pilgrims a day. Navratris & summer holidays are peak seasons for the pilgrims. And the rush is expected to rise further in coming years.

While this NEWS is a boon for pilgrims as they no longer have to wait at Katra for their turn to start tracking. However, its has resulted in massive reduction of business for local shopkeepers and lower room occupancy rate in all hotels of the town as most of the people don’t stay at katra at all.  Further, those who want to stay at Katra can easily bargain the room tariff with local hotels and get rooms at 20 to 40% discount to rack rates.

Over All its a win win situation for pilgrims visiting vaishno devi shrine.