TNR News Network
CHAMBA:
Pilgrims heading to the holy Vaishno Devi shrine will soon have a shorter and more picturesque alternative route, thanks to a new initiative jointly launched by the administrations of Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district and Jammu and Kashmir’s Bhaderwah region.
The two neighbouring administrations have come together to promote the “Via Chamba Vaishno Devi Yatra”, a new travel corridor connecting devotees from Himachal to the revered shrine through Chamba, Dalhousie and Bhaderwah.
Officials said the move will not only reduce the travel distance but also boost religious tourism, strengthen socio-cultural ties between the two Himalayan states and open new economic avenues for the local population.
Bike rally to mark beginning
As part of the first phase of the plan, a symbolic bike rally from Salooni in Chamba to Bhaderwah has been proposed to mark the inauguration of the new route. The rally aims to showcase cooperation and coordination between the two districts.
However, due to snowfall and inclement weather conditions in the Bhaderwah region, the rally has been temporarily postponed. Officials confirmed that it will be conducted once weather conditions improve.
Highway approved to enhance connectivity
In a major infrastructure boost, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has already approved the construction of a proposed national highway linking Chamba and Bhaderwah. The 130-km-long route is expected to revolutionise trade and tourism between Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir once completed.
“The proposed Chamba-Bhaderwah highway will make the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage far more accessible for Himachali devotees, while also enabling smoother travel for Jammu and Kashmir residents visiting Manimahesh and Chamba valley,” said Chamba Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal.
Shorter than the existing route
Currently, pilgrims from Chamba travel around 343 km to reach the Vaishno Devi temple — 150 km to Pathankot, 180 km to Katra and 13 km to the shrine itself. Under the new route, devotees will travel 65 km from Dalhousie to Salooni, 75 km to Bhaderwah, 185 km to Katra, and 13 km to the shrine — a total of 338 km. With the proposed highway, the journey could become even shorter and more convenient.
The route will also have strategic importance. Once the Chamba-Bhaderwah link becomes operational, it will aid military logistics and improve border area connectivity. Locals are also expected to benefit through new business and tourism opportunities.
“The process of coordination with Bhaderwah administration is underway. Once the weather stabilises, the Salooni-Bhadarwah bike rally will be flagged off to mark the beginning of this initiative,” Repaswal added.
