Archive · 7 Oct 2026
AI Cameras and RFID Checks to Secure Vaishno Devi Route
More than 500 smart cameras will watch Katra and the path to the Vaishno Devi shrine during Navratri.
They will help officials see how many people are on the route and spot possible security concerns.
The cameras will send information to a control centre.
Police teams and special checkpoints will also help keep the area safe.
Pilgrims must carry a valid RFID card, which officials will check at several places.
Officials are preparing for emergencies and large crowds.
They also reviewed drinking water, cleanliness and lighting.
The festival is scheduled to run from October 11 to 20.
More than 500 AI-enabled cameras will monitor Katra and the 12-km route to the Vaishno Devi shrine during Shardiya Navratra.
The cameras will connect to an Integrated Command and Control Centre for crowd monitoring, facial recognition and alerts about suspicious people or unattended baggage.
Reasi Police has strengthened security, including special checkpoints and Quick Response Teams from the J&K Police and CRPF.
Pilgrims will need valid RFID cards, with extra scanners and staff at Banganga, Adhkuwari, Himkoti and Bhawan.
Officials also reviewed disaster readiness, rescue equipment, traffic, sanitation, drinking water and route illumination; the festival is scheduled for October 11 to 20.
- Who
- Reasi Police, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, and other security and disaster-response teams are preparing for pilgrims.
- What
- Authorities will use more than 500 AI-enabled cameras, security teams and mandatory RFID checks to monitor and manage the pilgrimage.
- When
- During Shardiya Navratra, scheduled for October 11 to 20.
- Where
- Katra and the 12-km pilgrimage route to the Vaishno Devi shrine, including Banganga, Adhkuwari, Himkoti and Bhawan.
- Why
- To strengthen security, monitor crowds and prepare for a heavy rush of pilgrims.
- Cameras
- More than 500 AI-enabled cameras
- Route length
- 12 km
- Festival
- Shardiya Navratra, scheduled for October 11 to 20
- Monitoring centre
- Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC)
- RFID requirement
- Every pilgrim must possess a valid RFID card
- RFID check locations
- Banganga, Adhkuwari, Himkoti and Bhawan
- Security teams
- Quick Response Teams from the J&K Police and CRPF will be deployed at strategic locations