Katra, December 29,2025 — A surge in pilgrim footfall to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine is driving a business boom in Katra, the base town for the revered pilgrimage, with hotels, eateries, transport services and local traders witnessing heightened activity.
Hoteliers report near-full occupancy, while restaurants and food stalls are experiencing increased demand as thousands of devotees arrive daily from different parts of the country. The rise in pilgrim numbers has also boosted earnings for pony operators, pithu workers, porters, auto-rickshaw drivers and taxi operators.
Local traders say the increased footfall has led to improved sales of religious items, souvenirs, woollens and daily essentials, bringing much-needed economic momentum to the town. Transporters operating on the Jammu–Katra route have also noted a significant rise in passenger movement.
Officials attribute the surge to improved infrastructure, better facilities along the pilgrimage route, and favourable weather conditions, making the journey more convenient for devotees.
Residents and business owners have welcomed the uptick, stating that pilgrimage-driven tourism remains a vital pillar of the local economy in Katra and a key contributor to employment generation in the region.
