JAMMU, September 21, 2026 – Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a special meeting of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board at Lok Bhavan in Jammu on Sunday to comprehensively review the progress of the highly anticipated International Museum of Goddess at Katra, alongside other critical infrastructural initiatives. The high-level meeting witnessed the participation of prominent Shrine Board members, including Baleshwar Rai, Dr. Ashok Bhan, Gunjan Rana, Dr. K.K. Talwar, Kulbhushan Ahuja, Lalit Bhasin, and Suresh Kumar Sharma, while Mahamandleshwar Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj and Sudha Murty joined the deliberations virtually. A major focus of the discussions was the realization of the International Museum of Goddess, an ambitious project envisaged to globally showcase the profound spiritual, cultural, artistic, and civilizational heritage associated with the worship of the Goddess. The Board, which had previously accorded in-principle approval to the project in February and deliberated on its future course in May, was informed that extensive research, documentation, and field-based cultural studies are currently underway to establish a strong scholarly foundation for the proposed institution.
Advancing the execution phase of the museum, the Board officially ratified the engagement of a dedicated Advisor for the project and reviewed the preliminary concept design presented jointly by M/s Batul Raj Mehta & Associates (BRMA) and M/s Tata Ecofirst Services Ltd. Acknowledging BRMA’s specialized experience in museum concept design and Tata Ecofirst’s expertise in architectural and construction consultancy, the Board formally approved the consortium of the two agencies to formulate the comprehensive concept design. Following detailed discussions regarding the scope of work, estimated costs, and consortium fees, the Board tentatively endorsed the financial projections and approved an implementation schedule aiming to complete the prestigious project within approximately 38 months, subject to statutory clearances. Underscoring the strategic importance of the museum, Lieutenant Governor Sinha directed the constitution of a dedicated project team, headed by a highly experienced officer, to ensure focused attention, seamless coordination, and timely execution of all prescribed milestones.
Beyond the museum project, the Shrine Board also focused on enhancing pilgrim accommodation and hospitality infrastructure at Katra. The Board meticulously reviewed the administrative arrangements for the licensing, operation, maintenance, and management of nine newly developed premium cottages located near the Sports Stadium. Comprising fully furnished 2-BHK units equipped with modern, high-quality amenities, these cottages are specifically intended to provide upgraded, comfortable hospitality facilities for the increasing influx of devotees visiting the holy shrine. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from the administration to continuously upgrade pilgrim facilities while preserving and promoting the rich cultural legacy of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi.
Published by True Roots Media Network