India, Dec. 24 -- Surveillance has been stepped up along the route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop Trikuta hills in Reasi to manage the expected New Year pilgrim rush, with focus on high-footfall and congested stretches, officials said on Tuesday.

A multi-tier security grid has also been put in place in and around the shrine, comprising personnel from the Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and shrine board security, supported by Quick Response Teams (QRTs), they said.

A high-level meeting chaired by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) Sachin Kumar Vaishya, and attended by senior officials of the board, district administration, representatives of security agencies and other stakehol...