94.83 Million Pilgrims Visited Vaishno Devi Shrine in 2024
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine continues to attract millions of devotees, marking a record in visitor numbers for the third consecutive year.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir welcomed 94.83 lakh or 9.483 million pilgrims in 2024, marking a record for the shrine for the third consecutive year.
This shrine has shown remarkable visitor retention, securing its status as one of India’s most frequented religious sites, as noted by Anshul Garg, the CEO of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB). Infrastructure enhancements are in process to elevate the pilgrimage experience, including:
- The New Vaishnavi Bhawan which will feature family rooms
- An all-weather queue complex at Darshani Deodi and Banganga
- A dedicated exit track to better manage crowds.
With ongoing projects aimed for completion by 2025, the shrine is expected to accommodate even more visitors, reflecting its cultural and spiritual significance across the nation.
Increased connectivity, notably with the Vande Bharat train and the forthcoming Delhi-Katra Express, is likely to further enhance footfall. Garg highlights the importance of such initiatives in managing the growing influx of devotees.
