Jammu, Mar 6 (UNI) Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board (SMVSB) has roped in Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) for issuing yatra registration slips through its outlets across the country, official sources today said.

As the cave shrine is emerging as a premier pilgrimage centre in North India with annual number of pilgrims crossing 69 lakh mark last year, Principal Secretary to Governor and CEO SMVSB Dr Arun Kumar signed an agreement with BPCL's Executive Director Sanjay Krishnamurti here last evening.

Dr Kumar said a tremendous increase in pilgrims had made the Board to devise ways for better management of Yatra.

As per present system, Yatra registration for Mata Vaishno Devi shrine is being done either at Yatra Registration Counter, Katra, or through the Official website of Board by credit card.

The Board, as part of its commitment to provide more facilities to the devotees, has now further extended the facility of Yatra Registration through the BPCL outlets.

BPCL Petrol Pumps in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan and Gujarat will be made operational in the first phase and then the facility will be extended in a phased manner to other locations.

Yatris will have to pay Rs 10 per Yatra slip -- maximum up to six devotees per slip -- as service charge incurred for issuance by the BPCL.

UNI