Those going to Katra for Mata Vaishno Devi darshan may have to face trouble for the next few days because the Maa Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti Katra has announced a 72-hour strike from Wednesday in protest against the ropeway project being built from Katra to Mata Rani's Bhawan. Due to this, devotees coming from the country and abroad are sure to face problems.

Earlier, a shutdown was announced in Katra on 18 December in protest against the ropeway. The markets, shops and dhabas remained closed all day in protest against the ropeway project, after which the District Magistrate had assured that some necessary decision would be taken by December 23. Now it is being told that nothing happened in favor of the Katra Sangharsh Samiti, after which a 72-hour shutdown has been announced again.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board had decided to go ahead with the passenger ropeway project at a cost of Rs 250 crore on the 12 km route between Tarakote Marg and Sanjhi Chhat. Shopkeepers, porters and palanquin bearers along the Yatra route along with local people are opposing the project. They fear loss of their livelihood.

People opposing the project claim that the ropeway will bypass the market of Katra, which may affect thousands of shopkeepers dependent on the movement of pilgrims. They believe that starting the ropeway may put their livelihood at risk.