PM Narendra Modi to visit Katra today

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Tuesday visit Katra in Jammu and Kashmir to address the convocation of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University and attend some other events.

During his visit, the PM will also inaugurate the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital and a sports complex besides addressing a public meeting.

The 250-bedded hospital has been built at a cost of Rs 300 crores and is equipped with state of the art facilities.

A special plane carrying the prime minister will land at the technical area of Jammu airport at around 9.00 am.

State Governor NN Vohra, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, senior ministers of the PDP-BJP ruling coalition government and top Army and civil administration officials will receive Modi at the airport.

Modi will fly to Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine base camp town of Katra in Reasi district along with Vohra and Mufti.

This is Modi's third visit to Katra shrine since he took office in May 2014.

Dozens of specially trained commandos of the special protection group (SPG) are being deployed around the town.

Management of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board said the pilgrimage will continue uninterrupted during Modi's visit to Katra.

However, helicopter services carrying pilgrims from Katra town to the Trikuta Hills where the cave shrine is located will remain suspended as a security measure.