PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
The Transport department started the process of issuing green cards for Char Dham Yatra on Friday. The department issued 15 green cards to 15 owners on the first day in Rishikesh, the regional transport officer (Administration) of Dehradun division Sandeep Saini said. He informed that the department has made green cards mandatory for all commercial vehicles with a seating capacity of 13 or more passengers. This step is being taken to ensure safe and uninterrupted travel on the pilgrimage routes.
As per the guidelines, vehicles from other states will be issued green cards valid for 15 days while vehicles registered in Uttarakhand will receive cards valid for the entire yatra period. The department has started implementing this requirement under the direction of chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Saini said. He stated that the department is working to ensure transport safety during the Yatra.
Green cards are being issued only after technical officers inspect the vehicles. Drivers must be skilled in driving on mountain roads and their vehicles must also have valid fitness certificates, insurance, pollution control certificates and relevant permits, he said. He also informed that hill endorsement has been made mandatory for commercial drivers from other states to ensure they are capable of driving on mountainous routes. Drivers must apply online and take a test to get a hill endorsement certificate.
After submitting the test form at the regional or assistant regional transport office, the applicants will undergo a driving skill test on hill routes. Successful candidates will receive a hill endorsement on their license, he said. Saini informed that additional measures to prevent accidents include a restriction on the movement of commercial vehicles between 10 PM and 4 AM on yatra routes. Drivers are required to wear shoes or trekking shoes while driving.
A first aid box must be present in all vehicles. A triangular radium board must be placed on the rear of the vehicle. Parking is allowed only at designated safe locations. He said that the department will ensure all these instructions are followed by drivers during Char Dham Yatra.
