Landslide hits Vaishno Devi track at Himkoti; battery car service suspended

JAMMU: Intense rainfall triggered a landslide near Himkoti on the new pilgrimage track leading to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in J&K’s Reasi district on Wednesday evening, prompting the temporary suspension of the battery car service on the route.The pilgrimage on the old yatra route remained unaffected. Hundreds of devotees continued their journey on the traditional path, and some even braved trekking through mud and sludge to reach the holy shrine atop Trikuta Hills, officials said.Vaishno Devi shrine board authorities rushed personnel and machines to clear debris. Officials said only a limited portion of the new track had been affected, and battery car services were later restored intermittently as shooting stones triggered by the landslide threatened pilgrim safety.Officials were monitoring the area. Yatris were urged to follow official advisories and check the latest travel updates before embarking on the pilgrimage.On Aug 26, 2025, at least 34 Vaishno Devi pilgrims died, and around 20 more were injured after a landslide hit the route to the shrine near Ardhkuwari.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.