NAGROTA: An overall allocation of approximately ₹43 crore has now been committed towards the revival, restoration, development and connectivity of the historic Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji Pracheen Marg, marking a significant step towards fulfilling a long-standing vision pursued by late Devender Singh Rana, said MLA Nagrota Devyani Rana.
The approximately ₹43 crore outlay comprises ₹15 crore under Scheme for Revival, Restoration, Preservation and Maintenance of Architecture and Heritage which has received funding under CAPEX 2026-27, ₹27.27 crore under PMGSY for the Jagti–Bamyal road, and restoration and development works being undertaken by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and INTACH for temples along the route.
“This is a moment of great significance for all devotees of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and for Nagrota Constituency. The Pracheen Marg is not merely a road or a connectivity project. It is an ancient pilgrimage tradition, a sacred cultural landscape and an important part of the spiritual heritage of Jammu. The coming together of these resources marks a decisive step towards restoring that heritage and giving the traditional route the dignity and infrastructure it deserves,” Devyani Rana said.
She said the institutional foundation for the heritage component was laid in 2021, when, under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the Administrative Council introduced the Scheme for Revival, Restoration, Preservation and Maintenance of Architecture and Heritage in Jammu and Kashmir. The scheme established a framework for the preservation and revival of heritage assets across the Union Territory.
Under Phase-III of the scheme, 281 heritage sites were approved for revival, restoration and preservation. The heritage component relating to the traditional Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji route was taken forward under this framework.
Devyani Rana said the administrative process subsequently faced a delay following the Nagrota Assembly by-election, and the issue of funding remained pending despite the approval.
She subsequently raised the matter during the February-April 2026 Budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, seeking a clear status of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji 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.
In response, the Government informed the Assembly that the proposal for the revival and restoration of historical structures and heritage water bodies along the traditional Shri Mata Vaishno Devi route, estimated at approximately ₹15 crore, had been considered, with execution subject to availability of funds under the CAPEX budget.
Devyani Rana said that the subsequent allocation of ₹15 crore under CAPEX 2026-27 represents a significant advancement in taking the approved heritage component towards implementation.
“The availability of ₹15 crore under CAPEX 2026-27 gives this important heritage component the financial foundation required to move forward. This is a significant step in restoring the historic character of the traditional route,” she said.
She emphasised that the ₹27.27 crore PMGSY Jagti–Bamyal road is an important connectivity component.
“Connectivity is an important enabler of the Pracheen Marg. This 43 Crore total allocation provides a holistic revival encompassing heritage conservation, restoration of temples and historic structures, preservation of traditional water bodies, pilgrimage infrastructure and connectivity. Together, these elements can restore the Pracheen Marg as a living spiritual and heritage corridor,” Devyani Rana said.
The spiritual significance of the route is rooted in Kol Kandoli Mata Mandir, which is traditionally regarded as the Pratham Darshan of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji. The ancient Pracheen Marg begins from Kol Kandoli and proceeds through a landscape of historic religious and cultural sites, ultimately connecting towards Oli Mata Mandir and further to Deva Mai.
“This route represents a continuum of faith and heritage. Kol Kandoli is regarded as the Pratham Darshan of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji, and from there the traditional route carries the pilgrim through a series of sacred and historic locations. Its revival must therefore preserve not merely individual structures, but the integrity of the entire sacred landscape,” she said.
Devyani Rana also highlighted the restoration of Oli Mata Mandir through INTACH in 2022, facilitated by Devender Singh Rana.
“Oli Mata Mandir stands today as a magnificent example of what dedicated heritage conservation can achieve. The intervention through INTACH in 2022 reflected Devender Singh Rana’s understanding that the revival of the Pracheen Marg had to encompass its temples and heritage assets, along with its physical connectivity,” she said.
She said Devender Singh Rana’s vision was rooted in the belief that heritage preservation and development should reinforce one another.
“Devender Singh Rana saw the Pracheen Marg as a living inheritance, one that could be restored with dignity while also creating the infrastructure necessary for contemporary pilgrims. His vision was not simply to preserve the past, but to ensure that our heritage remained relevant, accessible and meaningful for future generations along with providing economic fillip to locals,” Devyani Rana said.
The MLA said the revival of the route would also strengthen religious and heritage tourism in Nagrota Constituency and adjoining areas, creating opportunities for local communities, artisans, businesses, transporters and service providers while bringing greater recognition to the region’s temples and heritage sites.
She emphasised that implementation must maintain the highest standards of heritage conservation and architectural sensitivity, while providing modern pilgrim amenities, sanitation, signage, lighting, landscaping and connectivity.
“We must develop the Pracheen Marg without diminishing its soul. Modern infrastructure and ancient heritage must be harmonised with care and sensitivity. The objective is to make the route accessible and dignified while preserving the spiritual atmosphere and historical character that make it unique,” she said.
Devyani Rana expressed her appreciation to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the Administrative Council, Government departments, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, PMGSY, INTACH and all agencies and stakeholders involved in advancing the different components of the initiative.
“This is a collective endeavour, but it is also the continuation of a vision pursued with remarkable conviction by Devender Singh Rana. His contribution was to bring the Pracheen Marg back into the institutional and public consciousness and to lay the foundation for its revival. It is now our responsibility to carry that vision forward with integrity, diligence and a deep sense of stewardship,” she said.
“The Pracheen Marg belongs to generations of pilgrims and to the cultural heritage of Jammu. With approximately ₹43 crore now committed across its different components, we are taking a decisive step towards restoring this sacred route and ensuring that its legacy is preserved and carried forward for generations to come,” Devyani Rana added.
