The sacred pilgrimage to the shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi in Katra is a journey of profound spiritual significance for millions of devotees. As the 2025-26 yatra season progresses, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has implemented several important updates and facilities to ensure a smoother experience for pilgrims. From mandatory RFID cards to revised helicopter tariffs, here is a comprehensive guide to planning your visit.
Essential Pilgrim Information: Registration and RFID Cards
For a hassle-free pilgrimage, proper registration is the first crucial step. The Shrine Board mandates that all pilgrims who have registered online must collect their RFID Yatra Access Card before commencing their journey. These cards can be obtained from designated Yatra Registration Counters (YRCs) located at key points including Katra Bus Stand, Katra Railway Station, Niharika Complex (Counter No. 02), Serli Helipad, Tarakote, Jammu Airport, and Vaishnavi Dham in Jammu. Pilgrims must present their online booking slip for verification.
To assist devotees arriving at odd hours, the Tarakote Yatra Registration Counter operates 24/7. Additionally, a dedicated desk at the Katra Railway Station's Yatra Facilitation Counter remains functional until midnight to help pilgrims arriving on trains scheduled to reach after 10:00 PM. The Banganga Counter also facilitates registrations for those with invalid cards or valid online receipts after 10:00 PM.
The Board has issued a critical alert, warning pilgrims against unauthorized agents. All official bookings for Shrine Board services must be made exclusively through its official websites: www.maavaishnodevi.org and online.maavaishnodevi.org.
Enhanced Pilgrim Amenities: Smart Lockers and Helpline
To ease the physical burden on devotees, the Shrine Board has introduced Smart Locker facilities at multiple strategic locations along the yatra route and at the Bhawan. These lockers are available at Room No. 04 (Waiting Hall, Ram Mandir), Durga Bhawan, Parvati Bhawan, Gate No. 03, and Adhkuwari.
An important benefit is that the Smart Locker facility at Room No. 04 is provided free of cost to pilgrims holding confirmed bookings for specific premium services. These include SSVP, Atka Aarti, Nav Chandi Path, Group Atka, Katra–Panchi Helicopter services, and Jammu–Bhawan–Jammu helicopter packages. To avail this free service, pilgrims must get their booking receipt stamped at the Reception Counter in Room No. 04.
For any queries or assistance, devotees can reach out to the official 24x7 Call Centre at 18001807212 or 01991-234804. Support is also available via WhatsApp at 9906019494.
Revised Helicopter Fares for 2025-26 Season
The Shrine Board has approved revised fares for helicopter services in two key sectors, effective for the current yatra season.
For the Katra–Sanjichhat–Katra sector, the revised one-way ticket price is now INR 2,320 (inclusive of 5% GST). This new tariff, approved by the CEO under the existing agreement, is effective from 16 October 2025 to 15 October 2026. Any differential amount for existing bookings will be collected at the counters before boarding pass issuance.
For the longer Jammu–Bhawan–Jammu sector, the helicopter ticket price has been revised upward. The new fare is INR 8,979 (inclusive of 5% GST), increased from the previous INR 8,499. This rate will be effective from 1 September 2025 to 24 June 2026. As with the other sector, fare differences will be settled at the counter prior to boarding.
In case of cancellations due to bad weather, pilgrims with helicopter tickets must initiate refunds only at designated SMVDSB counters located at Serli Helipad (Katra), Sanjichhat Helipad, and Jammu Airport.
Staying Informed Through Official Channels
Devotees are strongly advised to rely solely on official channels for accurate and timely updates. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board regularly shares information through its official website and verified social media handles on platforms like X (Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) documents for helicopter services are also available for download on the official website, providing clear guidelines for air travel associated with the yatra.
By following these updated procedures and utilizing the new facilities, pilgrims can focus on the spiritual essence of their journey to the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi.
