Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal paid obeisance at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday.

He reached the snow-bound Vaisho Devi shrine on a helicopter and after paying obeisance returned to Jammu around 1.45 pm. Helicopter and ropeway service to the shrine resumed on Sunday after remaining suspended for the past two days due to inclement weather.

According to officials, Goyal is likely to review the progress of the under-construction Udhampur-Banihal rail link project, which on completion will connect Kashmir with rest of the country through railway line.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on November 6 given explicit instructions for completion of the railway project by next year.

Over one feet of snow had accumulated in the shrine area including Bhawan and Bahiron Ghati, Sanjichhat and Himkoti on Friday, forcing suspension of copter and ropeway services.

However, the pilgrimage is going on smoothly with all services including helicopter, ropeway and battery car being operational, the officials said.

In view of the rush of pilgrims which is witnessed every year from December 20, the CEO of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) reviewed the facilities and directed all officers to ensure that all required arrangements are put in place well in time. 

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Sunday asked the Centre to take steps for revival of businesses in Kashmir, saying the valley''s economy has suffered losses to the tune of Rs 15,000 crore due disturbances in the wake of abrogation of Article 370 in on August 5.

KCCI president Sheikh Ashiq Hussain, who was among the several trade bodies'' heads who met Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, in Jammu, also urged the government to restore interest services to businesses in Kashmir.

"I informed the minister about the estimated losses which are to the tune of Rs 15,000 core over the last four months," Hussain told after the meeting. 

He said the KCCI has prepared a report on business and job losses caused by the disturbances after the Centre revoked Jammu and Kashmir''s special status and divided into two union territories.

"We informed the minister that all the business sectors have been been hit and industry leaders from all the sectors have given written representations in this regard to the chamber. A comprehensive report will be submitted to the Lieutenant Governor very soon," he said.