Rishikesh: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the Char Dham Yatra–2026 in Rishikesh, flagging off buses carrying pilgrims to the sacred shrines. During the event, he also inspected a free medical camp set up for devotees to ensure a safe and healthy pilgrimage.
CM Dhami welcomed pilgrims from across the country, highlighting the spiritual significance of the Char Dham Yatra as a journey that strengthens faith, devotion, and inner resilience. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making the pilgrimage smooth, safe, well-organized, and divine.
Government Focus on Safety and Convenience
The Chief Minister emphasized that the state government is personally reviewing all arrangements to provide:
- Safe travel for pilgrims
- Proper sanitation along routes
- Respectful and divine experiences at each Dham
He urged devotees to maintain cleanliness at temples and along travel routes, noting the importance of keeping Uttarakhand pristine. This year, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has targeted a Green Char Dham Yatra and a plastic-free Kedarnath Dham. All vehicles are required to carry dustbins, and sanitation measures have been strengthened along the yatra routes.
Infrastructure and Travel Enhancements
CM Dhami highlighted recent infrastructure initiatives to improve accessibility and convenience:
- Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor inaugurated at ₹12,000 crore to facilitate faster travel
- Reconstruction work in Kedarnath and Badrinath progressing rapidly
- Facility upgrades at Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Hemkund Sahib
- All Weather Road Project making travel routes safer and more accessible
- Ropeway projects from Gaurikund to Kedarnath and Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib underway
He also emphasized the economic impact of the Yatra, urging pilgrims to support local products and promote employment opportunities in Uttarakhand.
Health and Medical Arrangements for Pilgrims
Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal stated that the government is prioritizing pilgrim safety and health:
- Medical hospital in Kedarnath is operational
- 50-bed hospital in Badrinath to be completed by June
- Adequate health facilities arranged along the yatra route
- Pilgrims are advised to follow health advisories before starting their journey
Transport Arrangements and Information Systems
Cabinet Minister Pradeep Batra shared details about transport and mobility enhancements:
- Shuttle services at single-lane and landslide-prone areas
- Helpline numbers for movable shuttle services
- LED displays at key locations to provide travel information
The Chief Minister also stressed that the Char Dham Yatra supports lakhs of livelihoods and contributes to the local economy.
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by prominent leaders including:
- Former Cabinet Minister and MLA Premchand Aggarwal
- Mayor Shambhu Paswan
- Chairman of Hemkund Gurudwara Trust Narendrajit Bindra
- Several other dignitaries
CM Dhami’s message was clear: the government is committed to a safe, eco-friendly, and spiritually uplifting Char Dham Yatra for every pilgrim.
