Jammu: The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has moved ahead with the execution of the proposed International Museum of Goddess at Katra, approving a consortium of BRMA and Tata Ecofirst Services Ltd. for formulation of the preliminary concept design and tentatively endorsing a 38-month implementation timeline.
The decision was taken at a special meeting of the Shrine Board chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Lok Bhavan here on Sunday.
The Board ratified the engagement of an Advisor for the Museum Project and deliberated on the preliminary concept design presented by M/s Batul Raj Mehta & Associates (BRMA) and M/s Tata Ecofirst Services Ltd.
Considering BRMA’s experience in museum concept design and Tata Ecofirst’s expertise in architectural, fabrication and construction consultancy, the Board approved the consortium for preparing the preliminary concept design.
The Board also deliberated on the scope of work, estimated project cost, implementation schedule and consortium fee. Following the discussions, it tentatively endorsed the initial projected cost and proposed consortium fee for the concept design services.
The proposed implementation schedule, envisaging completion of the project in approximately 38 months, was also approved in principle, subject to completion of prescribed milestones and requisite statutory, administrative and procedural requirements.
To ensure focused supervision and timely execution, the Lieutenant Governor directed that a dedicated project team be constituted under an experienced and competent officer with the required administrative and project-management expertise.
The meeting also reviewed the research and documentation being undertaken for the museum. Teams of scholars and researchers are visiting temples, Shakti Peethas and other major centres of Devi worship to document their history, mythology, traditions, rituals, architecture and cultural significance through field research, documentation and videography.
The International Museum of Goddess project had received in-principle approval from the Shrine Board at its 76th meeting on February 8, 2026. A subsequent special meeting on May 21 had deliberated on the course of action for taking the project forward in a time-bound manner.
The Board also reviewed arrangements for nine premium cottages near the Sports Stadium in Katra. The fully furnished 2-BHK units will be operated by J&K Heritage Resorts Pvt. Ltd. under the brand of ITC Hotels Ltd.
In another decision, the Board entrusted the management and operations of the Shrine Hospital at Kakryal to SMVD Charitable Society, with defined functional verticals for management and healthcare delivery.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Sinha released a special postal cover titled “Global Symbol of Faith”, issued by the Department of Posts in honour of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji Shrine and aimed at showcasing its heritage and universal appeal.
