Rules for Maa Vaishno Devi pilgrimage changed! Devotees will now have to complete the climb and return within this many hours – Maa Vaishno Devi Yatra

This is important news for devotees of Maa Vaishno Devi. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has made some changes to the rules regarding the pilgrimage. It is now mandatory for all devotees to obtain an RFID travel card along with registration before starting the Maa Vaishno Devi Yatra. Furthermore, pilgrims must begin their journey within 10 hours of receiving the card.

Maa Vaishno Devi Yatra New Rules
Additionally, pilgrims must now complete their pilgrimage to Maa Vaishno Devi and return to the base camp in Katra within 24 hours. These new rules have been implemented by the Shrine Board with immediate effect.

Now pilgrims must complete the ascent and descent within this time frame.
Previously, the RFID travel card was valid for 12 hours, and pilgrims could start their journey anytime within those 12 hours. There was also no set time limit for completing the pilgrimage.

Decision taken for the safety of pilgrims
With the New Year approaching and a large influx of devotees expected for the Maa Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, especially in the three to four days leading up to the New Year,

the Shrine Board has issued these new orders to ensure the safety of pilgrims and prevent overcrowding in the premises. The Shrine Board has instructed officials at the pilgrimage registration centers to inform devotees about these new rules.

Orders implemented with immediate effect
These orders apply to all pilgrims, whether traveling on foot, by helicopter, or by battery-operated car. The purpose of these new orders is to control the increasing crowds during the pilgrimage season.