Rs 43 Crore Committed for Revival of Historic Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji Pracheen Marg: Devyani Rana
Nagrota, October 1: An overall allocation of approximately Rs 43 crore has been committed for the revival, restoration, development and connectivity of the historic Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji Pracheen Marg, marking a significant step towards advancing the long-pending project, MLA Nagrota Devyani Rana said on Thursday.
The proposed outlay includes ₹15 crore under the Scheme for Revival, Restoration, Preservation and Maintenance of Architecture and Heritage, funded under CAPEX 2026-27, ₹27.27 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) for the Jagti–Bamyal road, besides restoration and development works being undertaken by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and INTACH for temples along the traditional route.
Describing the development as significant for devotees and the Nagrota constituency, Devyani Rana said the Pracheen Marg was not merely a connectivity project but an important pilgrimage route and part of Jammu’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
“The coming together of these resources marks a significant step towards restoring the heritage of the traditional route and providing it with the infrastructure it deserves,” she said.
She said the institutional framework for the heritage component was established in 2021 with the introduction of the Scheme for Revival, Restoration, Preservation and Maintenance of Architecture and Heritage in Jammu and Kashmir. Under Phase-III of the scheme, 281 heritage sites were approved for revival, restoration and preservation.
According to Devyani Rana, the heritage component concerning the traditional Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji route was subsequently taken forward under the scheme, although the administrative process faced delays and the funding remained pending.
She said she raised the matter during the February-April 2026 Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, seeking clarity on the status of the Pracheen Marg project and its funding.
“The approval had been accorded, but the funding was still awaited. It was therefore important to raise the matter in the Assembly and ensure that an initiative of such historical and spiritual importance did not remain confined to an administrative approval,” she said.
She said the Government subsequently informed the Assembly that a proposal estimated at around ₹15 crore had been considered for the revival and restoration of historical structures and heritage water bodies along the traditional route, with execution subject to the availability of funds under the CAPEX budget.
Denyani Rana said the allocation of ₹15 crore under CAPEX 2026-27 would provide the financial foundation for taking forward the approved heritage component.
She also highlighted the ₹27.27 crore PMGSY allocation for the Jagti–Bamyal road, describing it as an important connectivity component of the wider initiative.
“The total allocation provides for a holistic approach encompassing heritage conservation, restoration of temples and historic structures, preservation of traditional water bodies, pilgrim infrastructure and connectivity,” she said.
The traditional route is associated with Kol Kandoli Mata Mandir, regarded as the Pratham Darshan of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji. The Pracheen Marg traditionally begins at Kol Kandoli and passes through a number of religious and cultural sites towards Oli Mata Mandir and further to Deva Mai.
Devyani Rana said the revival of the route should focus on preserving the character and continuity of the entire heritage landscape rather than individual structures alone.
She also referred to the restoration of Oli Mata Mandir through INTACH in 2022, saying the initiative was facilitated by the late Devender Singh Rana.
“Oli Mata Mandir stands as an example of what dedicated heritage conservation can achieve. The intervention through INTACH in 2022 reflected Shri Devender Singh Rana’s understanding that the revival of the Pracheen Marg had to encompass its temples and heritage assets along with physical connectivity,” she said.
According to Devyani Rana, the late Devender Singh Rana had envisioned heritage preservation and development as complementary objectives, with the restoration of the traditional route also having the potential to support local economic activity.
She said revival of the Pracheen Marg could strengthen religious and heritage tourism in Nagrota and adjoining areas, generating opportunities for local communities, artisans, businesses, transporters and service providers.
She emphasised that development of the route should adhere to heritage conservation principles and architectural sensitivity while providing modern facilities, including sanitation, signage, lighting, landscaping and improved connectivity.
“We must develop the Pracheen Marg without diminishing its character. Modern infrastructure and ancient heritage must be harmonised with care and sensitivity,” she said.
Devyani Rana expressed appreciation to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the Administrative Council, concerned government departments, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, PMGSY, INTACH and other agencies and stakeholders involved in the project.
She said the initiative represented a collective effort while also continuing the vision pursued by the late Devender Singh Rana for restoration of the traditional route.
“With approximately ₹43 crore now committed across its different components, we are taking an important step towards restoring this sacred route and preserving its legacy for future generations,” she added. ANB
