Introduction
Mata Vaishno Devi is an important shrine for Hindus, and lakhs of devotees visit the shrine annually. Click to read the travel blog for Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra. The shrine board which manages the shrine and the associated logistics has been introducing a lot of improvements over the years. One of the major decisions taken in late 2022 was introducing Radio Identification (RFID) cards. This has been done keeping in mind the security and crowd management of devotees. A person carrying an RFID card can be tracked throughout the yatra route. Antennas have been installed to enable tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Is the RFID card required for all devotees?
All devotees who are above the age of 5 years are required to obtain an RFID card to start the yatra.
Can the RFID card be obtained online? Is the online registration valid to start the yatra?
RFID cards can only be obtained at the designated yatra registration centres and cannot be obtained online. Although the online yatra registration link is still live, the parchi that gets generated has lost its relevance as you will have to stand in a queue at the registration centres.
Is there a separate queue for devotees who have done the online registration?
Unfortunately, there is no separate queue for those who have already done their online registration. Everyone has to stand in the same queue and there is no specific advantage. The only consolation could be that the details will be available to the office beforehand and you will not need to repeat the information, but the advantage is barely there.
What are the documents required to obtain an RFID card for the Vaishno devi yatra?
You will need to carry identity proof and will be asked about your place of origin at the registration counter. A photo will also be taken at the counter before handing out the RFID card.
Where can you get the RFID cards to start the Vaishno Devi yatra?
Below are the places one can get registered and obtain an RFID card.
| Location | Number of counters |
| Yatra registration counter 1 – Katra main chowk | 13 |
| Yatra registration counter 2 – Katra new bus stand | 2 |
| Niharika Bhawan – Katra | 1 |
| Railway station – Katra | 2 |
| Vaishnavi Dham – Jammu | 1 |
| Airport – Jammu | 1 |
| Helipad | 1 |
What are the timings for getting the RFID cards for the Vaishno Devi yatra?
The counters mentioned above are open from 5 AM to 10 PM. Anyone reaching late has to plan accordingly.
Does everyone in a group have to stand in the queue to obtain an RFID card for Vaishno devi darshan?
Anyone above the age of 5 years has to stand in the queue to get the RFID card. Even if you are coming in a group, every individual has to stand in the queue to get the card.
Is there a time limit to start the Vaishno Devi yatra after obtaining RFID cards?
The official stance is that a yatri should cross the Banganga checkpoint within 6 hours of the issue of the RFID card however during our yatra there were no such checks.
Are there any charges for obtaining RFID cards for Vaishno devi darshan?
RFID cards are issued free of cost and there is nothing to pay to the board or anyone else.
Where to return the RFID cards after Vaishno devi darshan?
There are designated drop boxes at the exit gate so make sure that the cards are returned upon completion of the yatra. Many are taking the cards back home either unintentionally or as a souvenir so the administration has deployed some people at the exit gate to ensure the cards are returned.
I have already done my online registration.Is there any provision to get RFID card before 5am?
Online registration is of no use these days as you have to visit the counter anyway and the counters only open after 5AM. So to answer your question, no you won’t be able to get the RFID card before the opening time of the counter.
Is there any registration counter for rfid at helipad also?
Yes, there is one at helipad. Post has been updated.
Thanks
Can I get the REID card at hotek situated at katranor can hotel done arrangements for it.
You will have to personally visit one of the yatra parchi counter situated at various places mentioned in our post. They will note down your name, place of origin and take your photograph before handing you the RFID card.