To facilitate the pilgrims during their pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine, various Bhojanalayas / refreshment units have been made operational at strategic locations on the track by the Shrine Board. Now, to further augment the catering facilities, the Shrine Board has taken many proactive measures by inviting reputed food chains to open their outlets on the track through an open competitive process.
These reputed food chains include McDonald’s, Dominos, Bikanervala and Coffee Day Global. Notably, other renowned food chains like Sagar Ratna, Nathu’s and Gulab are already operating on the track.
Bikanervala, a name synonymous with Indian Sweets, Snacks and pan-Indian cuisine is enlisted to operate four outlets on the track including two on Tarakote Marg. Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board today inaugurated these outlets simultaneously, two on picturesque Tarakote Marg between Katra and Adhkuwari, one each at Charanpaduka and Adhkuwari for the pilgrims who, now will have the pleasure of journey to the abode of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji while enjoying the distinct and mouthful taste of quality food and beverages at controlled prices.
Each outlet shall serve satvik food (without onion and garlic), sweets, a range of packed snacks, north and south Indian cuisines. Besides, other popular cooked snacks and a wide range of cold and hot beverages.
While, congratulating the proprietor Katra Vaishno Devi Hotel & Restaurant Pvt. Ltd (Franchisee of Bikanervala Foods Pvt. Ltd), the CEO, SMVDSB, Anshul Garg said that as per the directions of Chairman, SMVDSB (Hon’ble Lt. Governor, JK-UT) and on the persistent demand of the pilgrims for providing wholesome hygienic and varied choices of cuisine on the track, these outlets of reputed food chains are given an opportunity to operate on the track to fulfil the demand of pilgrims. Besides, these outlets shall be a great boon for pedestrian pilgrims preferring to undertake the pilgrimage through the scenic Tarakote Marg.
The pilgrims present on the occasion appreciated the initiative of the Shrine Board for establishing these facilities on the track.
Among those present on the occasion were Navneet Singh, Addl CEO; Dr. Sunil Sharma and Dr. Jagdish Chander Mehra, Jt. CEOs; Chander Parkash and Vishavjeet Singh, Dy. CEOs; Mahesh Sharma, FA/CAO; Ajay Salaan, Asstt. CEO; Suresh Goel, Chief Executive Officer of Bikanervala Foods Pvt. Ltd; Rakesh Wazir, Proprietor Katra Vaishno Devi Hotel & Restaurant Pvt. Ltd and other officers, staff of the Shrine Board besides pilgrims at large.
