JAMMU, June 24, 2025 — In a tragic turn of events, the sacred Vaishno Devi Yatra was disrupted on Monday when a massive Vaishno Devi landslide struck the Himkoti route near the revered shrine atop Trikuta Hills in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. Triggered by days of heavy rain, the landslide resulted in the deaths of two women pilgrims and serious injury to a five-year-old girl. The battery car, cable car, and helicopter facilities were among the many convenience services that were abruptly discontinued. Despite the disruption, the pilgrimage has not stopped. Authorities have redirected the flow of pilgrims to the traditional Sanjhichatt route, which remains open but is experiencing heavy congestion.
Nature’s Fury Unleashed on Himkoti Track
At around 2:15 PM on June 23, a landslide hit near Panchi, about three kilometers from Bhawan, collapsing a tin-roofed iron shelter where several pilgrims were resting. According to officials, the debris—loosened by continuous rainfall—included heavy stones and soil, which fell suddenly due to a phenomenon known as shooting stones.
The deceased have been identified as
- Sapna (27) from Dhianpur, Punjab
- Neha (23) from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
The injured child, Sanvi, also from Kanpur, was rushed to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, where she is currently undergoing treatment.
Her grandfather, L. Prasad, said they had stopped for a break when police began clearing the area due to monkey activity. “Suddenly, the hillside gave way and the debris came crashing down on the shed,” he recounted.
Pilgrimage Route Disrupted, Services Suspended
The Himkoti track, which houses the battery car service from Ardhkumari to Bhawan, has been rendered non-operational. Shortly after the incident, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) halted all mechanized services:
- Battery Car Service: Suspended until debris is cleared and safety is reassured
- Cable Car from Bhawan to Bhairav Valley: Suspended due to safety concerns
- Helicopter Service: Already inactive for five consecutive days due to poor weather, remains suspended
Pilgrim Advisory: All visitors are strongly advised to avoid the Himkoti path until official clearance is issued. For updates, visit www.maavaishnodevi.org or call the Shrine Board Control Room.
Immediate Rescue and Debris Clearance Operations
In response to the Vaishno Devi landslide, the Shrine Board’s emergency teams, supported by JCB machines, were swiftly deployed. The area around Satya View Point, which had already experienced a separate landslide earlier that noon, remains under active clearance operations.
Restoration Timeline: Authorities have yet to announce an official reopening, but debris removal is ongoing on a priority basis.
To oversee rescue efforts and inspect the medical facilities where the injured are being treated, Deputy Commissioner of Reasi, Vishesh Paul Mahajan, rushed to Katra to take stock of the situation.
Pilgrims Diverted to Traditional Route
Pilgrims are now being directed toward the Sanjhichatt path, the traditional uphill route that remains safe and operational.
Available Transport Options:
- Ponies
- Palkis (carried seats)
- Pithoos (human carriers)
However, the redirection has led to increased congestion. Devotees are advised to:
- Travel in the early morning or late evening, when demand is low.
- Hydrate regularly and carry light baggage
- Utilize designated rest stops and medical stations
For elderly, pregnant women, or persons with disabilities, advance arrangements with palki or pithoo services are recommended. These can be booked at the base camp in Katra or through authorized counters along the route.
Pilgrimage Continues Despite Adversity
Even amidst tragedy, the undying devotion of yatris has kept the pilgrimage alive. On June 22, over 34,717 devotees visited the shrine. On the day of the landslide itself, more than 18,800 pilgrims had already registered.
Despite the rain and difficult terrain, devotees march on into the holy Bhawan while shouting “Jai Mata Di.” Along the way, many people have offered their voluntary assistance to the elderly and children, demonstrating the pilgrimage’s sense of community.
Disaster Response Teams on High Alert
Now, the CRPF, J&K Police, and Disaster Management Forces are positioned at all of the track’s strategic locations, including those that are vulnerable to landslides. The area between Katra and Bhawan now has first aid tents, rain shelters, and emergency helplines.
Safety Guidelines for Pilgrims:
- Avoid resting near overhead shelters or rocky slopes
- Do not ignore weather updates or public announcements
- In case of discomfort or injury, approach the nearest emergency kiosk
For any assistance, pilgrims can reach:
- SMVDSB Control Room: +91-1991-234056 / +91-1991-232887
- Health Emergency Helpline (Bhawan): +91-9622881234
Challenges for Vulnerable Pilgrims
The disruption of the battery car and helicopter services has especially affected senior citizens, people with disabilities, and families with infants or toddlers.
Transactional Tip:
Pilgrims falling under these categories are advised to postpone their journey if possible or make use of assisted transport provided by authorized pithoo/palki operators. These services can be reserved in advance at:
- Katra Booking Counters
- Online via the Shrine Board’s official portal
In addition, volunteers from NGOs and the Shrine Board are offering on-ground assistance to help vulnerable pilgrims navigate the trek safely.
Official Advisory by Shrine Board
In its public bulletin, the Shrine Board has urged all yatris to:
- Avoid rumors or misleading social media posts
- Use only authorized and marked trails
- Stay updated via www.maavaishnodevi.org and follow verified handles
- Contact helplines for real-time status or assistance
The restoration work on the Himkoti track is expected to take time as engineers and geologists assess slope stability and damage.
Tragedy Brings Reflection—But Not Retreat
This is not the first time the Vaishno Devi Yatra has faced disruption due to natural calamities. From the 2022 New Year’s stampede, which claimed 12 lives, to this week’s landslide fatalities, these incidents serve as reminders of the fragile balance between devotion and nature.
Yet, the yatra marches on.
A devotee from Gujarat summed it up best: “Rain or rockfall, Mata Rani calls us, and we will keep coming.”
In Summary: Transactional Takeaways for Pilgrims
In the wake of the recent Vaishno Devi landslide, pilgrims are strongly advised to avoid the Himkoti route until it is officially reopened. Those needing assistance—such as senior citizens or persons with disabilities—should pre-book pithoo or palki services for a safer journey. Devotees are encouraged to travel light, wear non-slip footwear, and stay well-hydrated. For accurate updates, rely only on official sources. In case of emergencies, contact the SMVDSB Helpline at +91-1991-234056 or visit Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital in Katra. Despite the disruption caused by the Vaishno Devi landslide, the yatra continues, fueled by unwavering faith and devotion.
