Governor N. N. Vohra, chaired a meeting of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board at the Raj Bhavan here to review the implementation of the various ongoing major infrastructure development projects which are being executed by the Shrine Board to meet the emerging requirements of the pilgrimage and for the benefit the people at large. The projects reviewed included the establishment of 230-bedded Multispeciality Hospital at Kakryal, installation of Passenger Ropeway from Bhawan to Bhairon Ghati, construction of New Track from Katra to Adhkuwari and the Multipurpose Sports Stadium at Katra. Dr. Ashok Bhan, Mr. H. L. Maini and Maj. Gen.(Retd) Shiv Kumar Sharma, Members of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Mr. Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Chief Executive Officer, Dr. M. K. Kumar and Mr. B. Mohandaas, Additional CEOs of the Shrine Board participated in the meeting.
While taking stock of the installation of Bhairon Ghati Passenger Ropeway between Bhawan and Bhairon Temple, the Governor was informed by the CEO that the execution of civil work on the Lower and Upper Terminals has started and the Project is expected to be completed by the end of October, 2016. This Ropeway Project, estimated to cost around Rs. 53.30 crore, will have a carrying capacity of 800 persons per hour. It is being executed by a Joint Venture of M/s Garaventa and Damodar Ropeway with the consultancy of M/s RITES Ltd. The machineries and equipments for the cable car are being processed from Switzerland.
The Governor reviewed the progress of the ongoing works for establishing wayside facilities on the New Track being constructed between Katra and Adhkuwari. These works include, interalia, construction of Bhojanalayas, View Points and Toilet Blocks; water and power supply; construction of drains; erection of retaining and breast walls; tiling of the track, erection of wire mesh fencing along the track and other allied infrastructure facilities. He directed the CEO to ensure time-bound completion of all pending work, if required, additional manpower should be mobilised to very early complete all work on this new Track for on-foot pilgrims so that it can help in decongesting the traffic on the Katra-Adhkuwari track.
While taking stock of the ongoing work at the upcoming Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence at Kakryal, the Governor particularly reviewed the status of the residential blocks, procurement of equipment and machinery and various infrastructure facilities.
He issued instructions to the CEO to further speed up work for timely putting in place all the required machineries and equipments to enable the early commissioning of this Multi-Speciality Hospital. He also took stock of the action taken for setting up an Oxygen Generation Plant, Incinerator, Shredding Machine, Laundry Plant, Sewage Treatment Plants, Effluent Treatment Plant, hospital waste management, installation of elevators, fire fighting arrangements, interior and allied works and other critical components which are being put in place as part of the Hospital Project and allied facilities.It is pertinent to mention that Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has executed an Agreement with Narayana Hrudayalaya Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore, for the operation of this Multi-Speciality Hospital, which is planned to be commissioned later this year. This Hospital will enhance the medical facilities in the State by providing super-specialist facilities for treatment of cancer and cardiac aliments.
The CEO informed that, as directed by the Governor, infrastructure is being created for solar energy and rain water harvesting in the entire project area.Regarding the to-date status of various components of the upcoming Multipurpose Sports Stadium being constructed by the Shrine Board at Katra, the CEO informed the Governor that the main pavilion building and grounds have already been completed, natural grass turf has been laid and automatic pop-up sprinkle irrigation system made operational. Similarly, an indoor activities hall, table tennis, volleyball and basketball courts have also been completed and the work is apace on creating parking facilities for 250 vehicles. Plantation has also been undertaken along the boundary wall of the stadium to enhance the environment and aesthetics of this facility. The work is apace on the construction of Lawn Tennis Court and 3 main gates of the stadium and this project is at its final stages of completion. The Governor directed the CEO to evolve a comprehensive calendar for organising various sports events at this Stadium for the promotion of sports and games in the area to benefit the youth at large.The Governor directed the CEO to regularly review all ongoing works to ensure timely conclusion. It was decided that the Governor would chair the next Review Meeting in early August.