MANSI BHAMBRI /Dehradun
The Transport department has been running about 220-vehicle shuttle service for Char Dham Yatra pilgrims from Sonprayag to Gaurikund en route to Kedarnath, deputy transport commissioner Shailesh Tiwari said. He informed that whether private vehicles or commercial vehicles heading to Kedarnath, they proceed only up to Sonprayag. After reaching Sonprayag, the vehicles stop and from there the Transport department operates the shuttle service. The shuttle service runs from Sonprayag to Gaurikund.
He stated that this year under the shuttle service, about 220 vehicles, mainly Maxi cabs, have been deployed. These vehicles have been deployed by coordinating with and inviting the local cab unions of that area. He said that this has boosted employment for the local drivers while also enabling better services for pilgrims.
Tiwari further informed that under this shuttle service each vehicle charges Rs 50 per person, which is fixed for all vehicles in the service. He added that 20 vehicles of the shuttle service are reserved exclusively for women and senior citizens. Besides this, to ensure proper regulation and prevent overcrowding in vehicles, checkpoints have been set up there along with 20 department officials deployed for monitoring. He informed that till June 16, a total of 6,73,707 pilgrims had used the shuttle service. He added that the Transport department also ensures all vehicles operating as shuttles have complete documents including fitness and insurance, among others. Apart from this, these vehicles are also issued green cards.
Tiwari said the main objective of the shuttle service is that the route beyond Sonprayag is difficult and parking is also an issue. Considering all this, the shuttle service has been started on the stretch. He further informed that during operations several challenges like overcrowding are faced. However, the department manages it as Transport department officials are already deployed.
Notably, this shuttle service initiative began in 2014 when it was free of cost, but later a fare was fixed. Currently Rs 50 per person is charged.
