Katra, October 4, 2026-The district administration of Reasi has intensified road repair and beautification works in Katra and adjoining areas in preparation for the Navratri festival, scheduled to be observed from October 11 to 19. More than four lakh devotees are expected to visit during the period. The initiative aims to improve road conditions, facilitate smooth movement and enhance the appearance of the town, which serves as the base camp for pilgrims visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.
Road Repair and Blacktopping
Road connectivity has been identified as a key priority. The Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, has directed the Public Works Department to undertake necessary repairs and blacktopping of all roads connecting Katra before the commencement of the festival. He emphasised that road connectivity must remain smooth and safe for pilgrims throughout the festive period. Works are currently under way on several stretches in and around the town.
Sanitation and Public Amenities
The Municipal Committee, Katra, has been instructed to ensure that all street lights remain functional and to conduct special cleanliness drives across the town. The authorities have also directed the installation of mobile toilets at designated locations and regular fogging to maintain hygiene. Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Kumar Abhishek, has separately directed the Executive Officer of the Municipal Committee to put in place effective waste management measures, deploy adequate sanitation personnel and monitor cleanliness regularly at major public locations.
Coordination and Review
A series of high-level review meetings has been convened to assess preparedness. The Divisional Commissioner reviewed arrangements relating to security, traffic management, sanitation, water and power supply, road maintenance, illumination, decoration, fire safety and transportation. He called for close coordination among all departments and agencies, including the District Administration, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, the Tourism Department, the Police and the Municipality. Departments have also been asked to ensure round-the-clock availability of manpower and essential services during the festival.
At a separate meeting held at the Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed arrangements concerning drinking water, power supply, healthcare, accommodation, illumination and venue preparedness. The Health Department has been directed to deploy medical teams and ensure the availability of essential medicines at designated locations. The Deputy Commissioner stressed the timely completion of all preparations, proper crowd management and adequate facilities at all venues for the smooth conduct of the festival’s programmes.
Security and Traffic Management
The police have reinforced security arrangements in Katra. On September 30, Senior Superintendent of Police Reasi, Mukund Tibrewal, conducted a comprehensive review of security and traffic arrangements covering the town and the pilgrimage route, including the track leading to Bhawan, the base camp, parking areas, CCTV surveillance points, entry and exit locations and security checkpoints. Additional checkpoints and police deployment have been put in place.
The SSP stated that the principal objective is to ensure that pilgrims face the least possible inconvenience. He appealed to residents and vehicle owners to minimise roadside parking during the festival, noting that it is one of the major causes of traffic congestion in Katra.
Significance of the Festival
Navratri is among the busiest periods for the shrine, drawing devotees from across the country. The festival also holds considerable economic importance for Katra, with the hospitality, transport and trade sectors depending substantially on pilgrim footfall. Officials maintain that improved infrastructure and a clean, well-lit town will contribute to a more comfortable experience for visitors.
Appeal to Pilgrims
The administration has appealed to devotees to plan their journeys in advance, follow traffic and security advisories, use designated parking areas and cooperate with police and Shrine Board personnel. Citizens have also been urged to help keep public spaces clean.
With the festival a week away, authorities have indicated that the remaining works will be completed within the stipulated time.
