Chief Minister Dhami Flags Off Char Dham Yatra Buses from Rishikesh, Reviews Health Facilities

Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday flagged off buses carrying pilgrims for the Char Dham Yatra from Rishikesh, formally marking the commencement of the 2026 pilgrimage season. The event was organised by the Joint Rotation Yatra Arrangement Committee and witnessed the participation of senior officials and public representatives.

During the programme, the Chief Minister also conducted an on-site inspection of a free health camp set up for pilgrims. The initiative aims to ensure that devotees undertaking the arduous journey to the Himalayan shrines receive necessary medical assistance and health check-ups before proceeding.

Welcoming pilgrims from across the country to Uttarakhand, Dhami described the Char Dham Yatra as a spiritual journey that connects faith, devotion, and the soul. He said the pilgrimage offers inner strength to overcome challenges and provides spiritual energy and peace to millions of devotees every year.

Reiterating the government’s commitment, the Chief Minister said that ensuring a smooth, safe, well-organised, and divine pilgrimage experience remains a top priority. He added that the state administration has made extensive preparations and is continuously reviewing arrangements to guarantee the safety and comfort of every pilgrim.

Dhami noted that with the blessings of the Ganga, the Char Dham Yatra continues to set new milestones each year in terms of participation and management. He emphasized that the government’s goal is to provide every devotee with security, dignity, and a memorable spiritual experience during their visit to the ‘Devbhoomi’.

Appealing to pilgrims, the Chief Minister urged everyone to maintain cleanliness at religious sites and along the travel routes. He stressed that every corner of Uttarakhand is considered sacred and preserving its purity is a collective responsibility. In line with this vision, the state government has set targets for a ‘Green Char Dham Yatra’ and a plastic-free Kedarnath Dham this year.

To support these goals, the government has ensured regular sanitation along the routes and made it mandatory for vehicles to carry dustbins. Dhami said that just as people keep their home temples clean, they should also contribute to maintaining the sanctity and cleanliness of the pilgrimage destinations.

Highlighting infrastructure development, the Chief Minister said several landmark projects have been undertaken under the leadership of Narendra Modi to make the pilgrimage more accessible. He pointed to the recently inaugurated Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, built at a cost of around ₹12,000 crore, which has significantly improved connectivity and reduced travel time.

He further stated that reconstruction works at Kedarnath and Badrinath are progressing steadily, while facilities at Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Hemkund Sahib are also being expanded rapidly to accommodate increasing numbers of pilgrims.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the role of the All Weather Road project in making travel routes safer and more convenient. Additionally, ropeway projects from Gaurikund to Kedarnath and from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib are being advanced to further ease the journey for devotees.

Dhami underscored that the Char Dham Yatra is a major source of livelihood for lakhs of people in the region. He encouraged pilgrims to support the local economy by purchasing locally made products, thereby contributing to employment generation and regional development.

Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal said the government is working with full sensitivity toward ensuring the convenience, safety, and health of pilgrims. He advised travellers to follow official advisories and undergo necessary health check-ups before embarking on the journey. He informed that a medical hospital at Kedarnath is ready, while a 50-bed hospital in Badrinath is expected to be completed by June. Adequate health facilities have also been arranged along the travel routes.

Another Cabinet Minister Pradeep Batra said the transport department has intensified preparations to ensure a smooth and secure यात्रा experience. He noted that shuttle services have been introduced at single-lane roads and landslide-prone zones to facilitate safe movement. A dedicated helpline for movable shuttle services will also be provided, along with LED displays at multiple locations to keep pilgrims informed.

Several dignitaries, including former Cabinet Minister and MLA Premchand Aggarwal, Mayor Shambhu Paswan, and Hemkund Gurudwara Trust President Narendrajeet Bindra, were present on the occasion along with other officials and stakeholders.

The Char Dham Yatra, one of India’s most significant religious pilgrimages, attracts millions of devotees each year, and the state government’s renewed focus on safety, infrastructure, and sustainability is expected to further enhance the overall experience for pilgrims in 2026.