The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam has begun to construct a second cave for pilgrims at the Kedarnath shrine following a huge uptick in demand, reports The Indian Express. Cave bookings have soared following a visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May this year (2019) during which he stayed at the specially built Rudra meditation cave.

The Rudra cave is equipped with a number of modern conveniences, including a geyser, electricity, heating and water. The cave constructed at a cost of Rs 11 lakh but had been booked only twice before the visit of the prime minister.

Since then, it has become much more popular with pilgrims. The cave was booked for the whole month of June, with bookings going down to nine in July, but picking up again in August to reach 14.

After the second built, GMVN wants to build another three caves along the same lines. The total carpet area for new caves may be increased considering the needs of pilgrims.