PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
The regional transport officer (Enforcement and Road Safety), Dehradun region, Anita Chamola claimed that they have completed all preparations to ensure smooth travel arrangements for the Kanwadiyas during the Kanwad Yatra, which commenced on Thursday.
Sharing detailed information, she said that the transport department’s key role is to ensure adequate vehicle availability for the devotees during the Yatra.
“For this, the department has coordinated with the local bus union, Uttarakhand Transport Corporation and neighbouring States. They have been contacted and asked to make arrangements. Buses will be deployed as per the demand during the Yatra,” she added.
Chamola further informed that a shuttle service has been arranged for those Kanwadiyas who want to travel from Roorkee–Haridwar and Rishikesh. Local private buses, maxi cabs and other vehicles have been earmarked for this purpose.
At Kanwad parking areas, information boards have also been installed to guide devotees about the availability of taxis and other vehicles.
“The RTO also held meetings with taxi unions of Haridwar and Rishikesh. Operators have been directed not to overcharged or overload vehicles during the Yatra. The assistant regional transport officers (ARTOs) in the Dehradun region have been instructed to ensure that no Kanwadiyas travel in goods vehicles in the mountainous region beyond Rishikesh,” she informed.
Chamola said that with the Delhi–Haridwar route closed for other vehicles during the Yatra and increased pressure anticipated from Delhi–Dehradun Expressway, six teams and seven bike squads have been put on 24×7 alert mode from Ashrodi to ISBT. “These teams will conduct regular checks for traffic violations,” she said, adding that
all the arrangements are being made in coordination with the police to ensure a safe and hassle-free Kanwad Yatra.
