The administration is gearing up for the upcoming Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, anticipating a significant increase in the number of pilgrims this year. Officials have initiated the process of drafting a master plan for traffic management, with a special focus on streamlining routes for devotees traveling from Delhi to Uttarakhand.
The operation of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway is expected to make the pilgrimage smoother. With this highway becoming operational, the number of pilgrims traveling to Uttarakhand via Delhi from states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar is likely to see a significant rise.
To ensure a seamless journey, SP Lokjit Singh has been appointed as the nodal officer for the Yatra. Under his leadership, a detailed blueprint is being prepared for traffic control, route diversions, and parking arrangements. Given the large influx of devotees traveling from Delhi, specific routes are being prioritized to prevent any inconvenience during the pilgrimage.
Delhi-Dehradun Expressway in Its Final Phase
The construction of this crucial expressway, which will facilitate Char Dham Yatra, is almost complete. According to officials, the 189-kilometer-long expressway will be inaugurated in four phases. The first phase, covering a 14-kilometer stretch from Delhi to the Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE) junction, will be opened in February. The second phase, extending 136 kilometers from the Eastern Peripheral Expressway junction to Saharanpur, is expected to be completed by May.
The third phase, spanning 19 kilometers from Saharanpur to Ganeshpur, will be ready soon, while the fourth and final phase, covering 20 kilometers from Ganeshpur to Dehradun, is planned for completion by February next year. Once operational, this expressway will significantly reduce travel time, benefiting pilgrims.
The Char Dham Yatra holds immense religious significance for Hindu devotees. Pilgrims visit Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath during the Yatra. This year, most pilgrims are expected to travel first to Gangotri and Yamunotri via Dehradun. In preparation for the increased traffic, the Uttarakhand Traffic Police has already begun developing a roadmap to ensure smooth movement across key routes.
The government’s master plan is being designed in sync with the expressway to facilitate pilgrims and ensure a hassle-free journey. This initiative will not only simplify and secure the Char Dham Yatra but also contribute significantly to the tourism and religious travel sector in Uttarakhand.
