In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
  • This integrated aviation facility will streamline heli-operations, enhancing heli connectivity, safety and convenience for pilgrims visiting the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji: LG Sinha
  • LG also inaugurates Helipad and other related works at Shri Shivkhori Shrine
  • The enhanced infrastructure will increase footfall at the holy shrine and make travel more convenient for pilgrims visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji who also wish to undertake pilgrimage to Shri Shiv Khori

JAMMU: The Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Thursday inaugurated the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Helipad at Village Hutt, Katra. The Lieutenant Governor said that the integrated aviation facility will streamline heli-operations, enhancing heli connectivity, safety and convenience for pilgrims visiting the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji.

“This helipad has been developed in strict compliance with the safety and operational norms laid down by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The facility places a paramount emphasis on passenger safety, security, and seamless travel experience, meeting the growing heli-services demand of the devotees. It will also provide a significant boost to religious tourism in the region,” he said.

It is pertinent to mention that the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, in collaboration with the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board, has undertaken development of a modern Helipad/Heliport at Village Hutt, Katra as well as at Shiv Khori, to ensure convenience, safety and accessibility for pilgrims undertaking helicopter travel to holy shrines.

The infrastructure is based on technical inputs from Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and operational requirements assessed by the Board.  It is capable of accommodating enhanced passenger handling and helicopter operational capacity, including future shifting of the existing Serli Helipad operations to Village Hutt.

The project includes construction of the helipad and allied aviation infrastructure, development of a 1.10 km approach road, creation of an expanded terminal building with passenger amenities such as waiting halls, ticketing and refund counters, reception areas, offices and security cabins, as well as construction of a modern hangar facility and associated operational infrastructure.

The facility also includes provision of safety, security, sanitation, parking, utility services, emergency response systems and queue management facilities necessary for efficient heliport operations. The project aims to create sufficient operational capacity for present and future helicopter traffic while addressing safety concerns related to helicopters flying over Katra town.

It also streamlines and professionalizes heli-services through centralized management and operation by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, leveraging its long-standing expertise in heli operations. It will also facilitate integrated pilgrimage connectivity between the two shrines from a common heliport and support development of pilgrim infrastructure in the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine area through collaborative institutional arrangements and financial assistance.

The occasion also marked the inauguration of the Helipad and other related works at the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine. The enhanced infrastructure will increase footfall at the holy shrine and make travel more convenient for pilgrims visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji who also wish to undertake pilgrimage to Shri Shiv Khori.

Members of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board - Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Dr. Ashok Bhan, Shri Suresh Kumar  Sharma, Shri Lalit Bhasin, Shri Kulbushan Ahuja; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Shri Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Shri Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB; Shri Kumar Abhishek, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi; Shri Alok Maurya, Additional CEO SMVDSB; senior officials of the Shrine Board, police and District Administration and Border Roads Organization were present at the inaugural ceremony.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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