Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 9 Apr: The Char Dham Yatra is set to begin on 19 April this year. In view of this, the preparations by the Transport Department have reached their final stage. To ensure that the Yatra remains safe, orderly and convenient, the transport department will activate high-tech check posts at key locations from 16 April onwards.
Under the directions of the Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Transport Minister Pradeep Batra and the district administrations, check posts have been established by the Transport Department at Asarodi, Kata Patthar, Kuthal Gate, Herbertpur, Rishikesh, Satyanarayan, Tapovan, Bhadrakali and Sonprayag. These posts are have been equipped with Wi-Fi facilities and they will monitor vehicles through green cards, trip cards and thorough inspections to prevent any disorder during the journey.
According to Divisional Transport Officer Sandeep Saini, enforcement teams will remain active at various points, checking the technical fitness, the documents and the compliance standards to safeguard pilgrims. Considering Rishikesh as the central hub of the yatra, a control room is being set up there, staffed by departmental officers and employees. Pilgrims will be able to contact the toll-free number 0135-2743432 for immediate assistance.
Saini stated that all the preparations are in the final stage and from 16 April onwards every check post will be fully operational. He added that Wi-Fi facilities are being provided at each post this year and more than 1,500 green cards have already been issued since the process began on 30 March. In addition to Haridwar, green cards are also being issued at Roorkee and Asarodi to make the process simpler and more accessible.
To ease traffic congestion, the check posts at Herbertpur bus stand and Rishikesh transit camp will play a crucial role. According to Saini, the buses will be inspected at these points to prevent bottlenecks further ahead at Kata Patthar, Bhadrakali and Tapovan. Rest points are also being developed at Asarodi and Narson borders for long-distance drivers and they are being equipped with beds, toilets and other essential facilities.
For enhanced security, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras have been activated in border areas. These advanced cameras are monitoring every vehicle passing through major checkpoints such as Bhadrakali, Tapovan, Kata Patthar and Narson, with data being tracked directly at headquarters. The deployment of ANPR technology is expected to make surveillance and safety arrangements more effective during the pilgrimage.
