MANSI BHAMBRI/ Dehradun
The Transport department expects 38,000 commercial vehicles to participate in this year’s Char Dham Yatra, with a similar number of Green cards issued, said deputy transport commissioner Shailesh Tiwari.
Tiwari stated that as the Char Dham Yatra approaches, the Transport department has nearly completed all preparations to ensure a smooth journey for pilgrims. He said that various departments, including Transport, Public Works, Police, among others, conducted a joint survey along the Yatra routes to identify accident-prone areas and other issues. A report has been submitted to the concerned institutions, requesting them to address the identified shortcomings along the Yatra routes. Many issues found during the survey have already been resolved.
Additionally, Tiwari informed that the department’s role includes ensuring the availability of vehicles for the Yatra. For this purpose, 2,500 buses are available, along with 100 additional buses from roadways. If necessary, further buses will be requested from the Kumaon Motor Operators Union.
He said that last year, approximately 32,008 commercial vehicles participated in the Char Dham Yatra. He also added that these commercial vehicles made about 94,552 trips during the Yatra, with an equal number of trip cards issued.
Tiwari emphasised that this year they aim to accommodate 38,000 commercial vehicles for the Char Dham Yatra, along with a similar number of trip cards issued. Additionally, the department expects to issue around 115,000 trip cards during the Yatra period this year. The Transport department has fixed normalised rates for commercial vehicles and to raise awareness, information about this is being disseminated through social media, hoardings at RTO offices, and other platforms.
He said that to ensure a safe journey for pilgrims, training and counselling on road safety and hilly driving are being provided to drivers by the ITDR, with sessions taking place at four locations where Green cards are issued: Asharodi checkpost, Narsan checkpost, Rishikesh office and Haridwar office, Tiwari noted.
He also informed that the functioning of the checkposts along the Yatra route began on Friday. A total of six checkposts have been established at key locations, including Bhadrakali, Brahmapuri, Kuthal Gate, Katapatthar, Satyanarayan and Sonprayag. These checkposts are equipped with Wi-Fi, toilets and other facilities.
“Additionally, nine enforcement squads have been deployed along the Yatra routes and their operations commenced on Friday. The Transport department is also providing information about do’s and don’ts for drivers and pilgrims about Yatra through various platforms,” Tiwari said.
Notably, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has conducted several meetings related to ensuring a smooth Yatra. Recently, the Transport minister also held a meeting with the department, emphasising the importance of a smooth Char Dham Yatra.
