A planned ropeway project for the Vaishno Devi trek has led to protests from local shopkeepers, pony service providers, and workers. The protests turned violent at the Katra base camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district, with clashes between protesters and police, leaving several people personnels injured.

The ₹250-crore ropeway project introduced by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board connecting Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat, a 2.4-kilometer route that will reduce the journey time to just six minutes, has led to protests. It is designed to help pilgrims, especially the elderly and those with limited mobility. However, locals are concerned that the project will negatively impact their jobs and businesses.

Hundreds of shopkeepers, porters, and pony service providers held a sit-in protest, shouting slogans like "Bharat Mata ki Jai" to show their disagreement. They believe the ropeway project will skip the traditional route, which they depend on for their livelihoods.

"We will not allow the ropeway project to be implemented in Katra. We have been fighting against it for three years. Assurances were given to us in the past, but now they have gone ahead with the project” said Prabhat Singh, a leader of the shopkeepers' association.

Protesters blocked a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) vehicle trying to pass through the demonstration site. During the ensuing chaos, the vehicle's windshield was damaged, and police forces were deployed to regain control of the situation. Reports suggest that stones were thrown at both Jammu and Kashmir police officers and CRPF personnel.

Protesters have halted traffic at the main bus stop in Katra, a key departure point for buses travelling to the Vaishno Devi shrine. The shrine sees an annual footfall of over 80 lakh devotees. Senior Superintendent of Police Paramvir Singh said, "The law and order situation has become challenging and we are trying to handle it. Officers are in talks with the protesters to resolve the issue.”

The protest, which was originally scheduled to last for 72 hours starting on November 22, was extended by one more day. Despite receiving reassurances from the authorities, the protesters are still insisting on either a complete cancellation of the project or financial compensation to cover the potential economic losses they believe will result from it.