Katra/Jammu: If you are among the thousands of devotees planning to ring in 2026 at the holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, take a moment to read this urgent advisory.
As expected, a massive sea of devotees has descended upon Katra Base Camp today, December 31. Official figures indicate that over 30,000 pilgrims are currently trekking towards the Bhawan to offer their first prayers of the new year.
To manage this unprecedented rush and avoid any untoward incidents, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) and Reasi Police have issued strict guidelines effective immediately.
The “RFID Card” Rule (Strictly Enforced)
This year, authorities are taking no chances with crowd safety.
- Mandatory Card: No pilgrim will be allowed to cross the Ban Ganga check post without a valid Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) card.
- The “6-Hour” Deadline: As per new crowd control measures, you must cross the first check post at Ban Ganga within 6 hours of issuing your RFID card. If you delay, your card will be deactivated, and you will have to register again.
- Return Policy: Pilgrims are being requested not to stay at the Bhawan after Darshan. “Move immediately to return tracks to allow others a chance,” announced a Shrine Board official.
Security on High Alert
Following a comprehensive security review by the SSP Reasi, a multi-tier security grid is in place.
- Surveillance: Over 550 CCTV cameras are monitoring every inch of the 13-km track.
- Quick Response Teams (QRTs): Commando units have been deployed at sensitive points like Adhkuwari and Sanjichhat to regulate movement.
Weather Update: Cold & Cloudy
The weather in Trikuta Hills is currently extremely cold.
- Temperature: Night temperatures at the Bhawan are expected to drop to 2°C to 4°C tonight.
- Forecast: The Met Department predicts “partly cloudy sky” with a possibility of light drizzles/snow flurries in the early hours of January 1.
- Advisory: Elderly pilgrims and children should strictly avoid the trek at night due to the freezing wind chill.
Train & Helicopter Status
- Trains: All trains to SMVD Katra Railway Station are running at 100% capacity. The Railways is operating special trains (Nos. 04081/04082) from New Delhi to handle the rush.
- Helicopter: Chopper services are currently operational but may be suspended at short notice if visibility drops due to fog.
What You Should Do
- Register Online: Do not rely on offline counters at the bus stand; the queues are currently 2-3 hours long.
- Check Status: Before starting your journey from Jammu, check the Official Shrine Board Website for real-time Yatra slip availability.
FAQs
No, the Yatra is currently open. However, the Shrine Board is releasing Yatra slips in batches to prevent overcrowding on the track.
It is highly unlikely. All Shrine Board accommodations (Dormitories/Rooms) at Bhawan and Adhkuwari are fully booked. Plan to stay in Katra hotels.
Yes, Battery Cars are running on the Himkoti route, but the waiting time is currently 2 to 3 hours due to the heavy rush of senior citizens.
Disclaimer
This advisory is based on the latest press briefings by Reasi Police and SMVDSB officials as of 5:00 PM, December 31, 2025. Yatra status is subject to real-time crowd conditions.
Also Read:
- Historic New Year Rush: Gulmarg Packed, Lal Chowk Lit Up as Kashmir Welcomes 2026
- Highway Alert: Srinagar-Jammu Traffic Update & Snow Forecast for Jan 1 – Check Timing
- Winter Vacation Alert: Jammu Schools & Colleges Closed Till Jan 10 – Official Order
- J&K New Year Alert: Security Tightened, Snowfall Predicted Tonight – Full Details
