System allows visitors to obtain RFID travel cards through kiosks
Vikram Shamra
JAMMU: In a significant development aimed at easing the pilgrimage experience for devotees of Mata Vaishno Devi, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has introduced a modern self-registration system that allows visitors to obtain RFID travel cards through user-friendly kiosks.
These self-service machines eliminate the need for long queues at registration centers and streamline the process of beginning the sacred journey.
The RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) card, which serves as a mandatory travel slip for the yatra, is essential for all devotees starting from Katra Yatra Camp. Without it, one cannot proceed on the pilgrimage. Recognizing the importance of improving efficiency, the Shrine Board has begun installing state-of-the-art Frequent Pilgrim Registration Kiosk machines across strategic locations.
In the first phase, these machines have been set up at Vaishnavi Dham near Jammu Railway Station, the Yatra Registration Center near Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Railway Station, at the entrance of the new Tarakot route, and near the Katra helipad. Further installations are expected shortly at Trikuta Bhawan (counter number two) and the main Niharika complex in Katra.
These kiosks operate much like ATMs. Devotees can register themselves by entering basic details such as name, gender, district and state PIN code, mobile number, and the last four digits of their Aadhaar card. A built-in digital camera also captures the devotee’s photograph as part of the registration process. Upon successful verification, the machine issues an RFID card within seconds.
However, accuracy is critical. If incorrect information—like an invalid PIN code or Aadhaar details—is entered, the machine will neither capture the photograph nor generate the RFID card. This ensures authenticity and prevents misuse. All issued RFID cards are linked to the Integrated Command and Control Center set up by the Shrine Board, ensuring centralized monitoring and improved security during the pilgrimage.
This digital initiative not only simplifies the registration process but also enhances the overall yatra experience by reducing waiting time and ensuring smoother crowd management. For lakhs of pilgrims who visit every year, this modern technology marks a positive shift toward a more organized and efficient journey to the revered shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi.
