The pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra remained suspended for the 17th consecutive day on September 12, 2025, as authorities prioritize safety amid lingering landslide risks and adverse weather in Trikuta Hills. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) announced resumption from September 14, subject to favorable conditions, following the August 26 landslide that killed 34 pilgrims (9 confirmed) and injured 20 near Adhkwari, burying sections of the 12-km trek under debris.
This marks the longest halt since COVID-19’s 150-day closure (March-August 2020), affecting the shrine’s 10 million annual visitors—80% from outside J&K—and generating ₹700 crore in revenue yearly. The disaster, triggered by 150% excess monsoon rains, damaged 500 meters of track and 100 structures, with restoration costing ₹50 crore. Over 5,000 pilgrims were evacuated post-incident, and RFID tracking—mandatory for 95% compliance—will resume for monitoring.
IMD forecasts dry weather till September 12 but warns of thunderstorms from September 13, potentially delaying full operations; 12,000 km of regional roads remain affected. Local economies in Reasi and Katra, reliant on yatra (employing 50,000), face ₹100 crore losses, with hotels at 20% occupancy. CM Omar Abdullah inspected sites, allocating ₹209 crore relief, while a committee probes the incident.
Pilgrims like those from Uttar Pradesh express patience, using virtual darshan apps (downloaded 1 million times). SMVDSB urges ID checks and cooperation, emphasizing resilience—yatras post-2014 floods rebounded 15% annually. This suspension highlights climate vulnerabilities, with landslides up 20% in a decade, urging Z-Morh tunnel acceleration. As gates prepare to reopen, it reaffirms faith’s endurance in J&K’s 70% Hindu pilgrimage circuit.