Jammu: Over 81.78 pilgrims visited the cave shrine of Mata Vaishnodevi in Trikuta hills of Reasi district in 2017, an official said today.

"81,78,318 pilgrims visited the cave shrine, thereby registering an increase of about 4.54 lakh pilgrims over the number in 2016", an official spokesman said.

On the occasion of New Year, Governor N N Vohra, Chairman Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, visited the shrine along with his wife Usha Vohra and prayed for peace, progress and prosperity of the State.

The governor took stock of facilities for pilgrims.He also discussed with chief engineer, Madan Mohan Gupta, details of the waiting hall-cum-ticketing centre which is being constructed on the rooftop of the Manokamana Bhawan for passengers wanting to take ropeway between Bhawan and Bhairon Ghati.

The governor asked Dr M K Kumar, Additional CEO to ensure completion of ropeway projects within a fixed timeframe.

On his return journey, the governor inspected the work to install sheds to cover the Marg and took stock of the work for hill slope stabilisation along Tarakote Marg.