Shiv Khori (Reasi) , March 7, 2026 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday inaugurated a series of infrastructure upgradation and beautification works at the revered Shiv Khori Shrine in Reasi district, aimed at improving facilities and enhancing the pilgrimage experience for devotees visiting the sacred cave shrine.
The development works were executed by JSW Group under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. During the inauguration ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to Sajjan Jindal, Chairman and Managing Director of JSW Group, and his team for contributing to what he described as a historic initiative.
“I see this as a profound act of kindness for humanity’s shared heritage,” Sinha said while addressing the gathering.
Referring to the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding between the administration and JSW Group, the Lieutenant Governor said the day marked the culmination of long-awaited efforts to upgrade the shrine’s infrastructure. “Shiv Khori’s awakening begins. We have not only upgraded infrastructure but fortified faith itself,” he remarked.
Sinha emphasised that the project reflects a broader effort to revive and strengthen the spiritual heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that improved facilities at the shrine symbolize a renewed commitment to preserving ancient traditions while making spiritual spaces more accessible to devotees.
Highlighting the administration’s vision, he said initiatives such as the upgradation of facilities for the Amarnath Yatra and the development initiatives by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board aim to transform the region into a vibrant spiritual corridor connecting major pilgrimage destinations.
“The aim is to make Jammu and Kashmir the vibrant spiritual heart of the nation,” the Lieutenant Governor said, adding that the Union Territory is witnessing a spiritual, cultural and social renaissance after centuries.
Encouraging young people to connect with the region’s spiritual legacy, Sinha urged them to balance their inner and outer lives by visiting sacred shrines and experiencing the enduring energy of centuries-old devotion.
The Lieutenant Governor also announced several upcoming facilities designed to enhance safety and convenience for pilgrims visiting Shiv Khori. These include the completion of a new helipad later this month, with heli-services expected to begin in April, as well as the construction of a protective track shed to shield pilgrims from harsh weather and falling stones along the route.
A future development roadmap has also been prepared to handle increasing pilgrim footfall. Plans include the construction of an alternative track between Ram Mandir and Shiv Khori to reduce congestion during peak seasons, along with repair and renovation of the Ransoo Shrine building and existing pilgrimage tracks.
Additional facilities such as adequate sanitation infrastructure, a serai and langar facility for pilgrims in Ransoo, and improved amenities along the track will also be developed.
Sinha further suggested introducing a “Sound and Light Show” to enrich the spiritual and cultural experience of visitors. He also proposed exploring the feasibility of a ropeway project to further ease access to the shrine.
“We are fully committed to creating a thriving ecosystem where local traders, artisans, youth and women can access new opportunities, ensuring prosperity for every family,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
During the event, Sinha also flagged off a garbage collection vehicle donated by Jammu and Kashmir Bank to the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board, aimed at strengthening sanitation management in the pilgrimage area.
The works inaugurated include renovation of Shivam Dwar (Darshani Deodi), repair and renovation of Mahadev Bhawan including the Yatra Registration Counter, refurbishment of the bathing ghat near Shivam Dwar, construction of gazebos near the bathing ghat and Shani Mandir, new toilet complexes, renovation of the medical kiosk near Ram Mandir, construction of a pony shed at Ransoo near Darshani Deodi, and installation of lighting at multiple locations.
Among those present at the ceremony were Kuldeep Raj Dubey, MLA from Reasi; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu and Chairman of the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board; Sarah Rizvi, DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range; and Kumar Abhishek, Deputy Commissioner Reasi, along with senior officials, prominent citizens and a large number of devotees.
