The Vaishno Devi Palki has been redesigned for improving the conditions in which Palkhi bearers make a livelihood. The existing heavy Palkhi which is 65 kg rests upon their shoulders causing injury and long term muscle damage in the Palkhi bearers.

Our team has designed a new Palkhi in stainless steel for the Shree Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. This has a longer life and nil maintenance issues compared to the previous palkhi.

The Palkhi bearers have been proactively involved in the design process, critically testing every variation and prototype developed. Deep studies have been conducted into turning angles, bearer heights and hilly terrain requirements before finalising the design.

Keeping in mind that local livelihood is the mission of this project, local vendors have been involved in modifications, ensuring that the Palkhi can easily be manufactured and developed by them.

Features

 ■ The Palkhi is 33 kgs lighter than the current Palkhi effectively reducing strain on the bearers

 ■ The Palkhi has been developed in collaboration with National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE) and it has better improved ergonomics for both the bearer and the passenger

 ■ Efficient use of local vendors of fabrication and development of a business cluster in the region