The Uttarakhand Transport Department conducted checks along the Kedarnath route on Friday, verifying permits, seating capacity, and required documents amid the Char Dham Yatra.
Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Dharmendra Singh Bisht said strict checking has been going on since April. The aim is to make sure all vehicles follow rules during the pilgrimage season. From April till now, 539 challans have been issued and about Rs 30.5 lakh collected. In May alone, 1,140 challans were issued, bringing around Rs 12.5 lakh in fines.
"The Char Dham Yatra commenced on April 22. In this context, and following the directives and encouragement of the District Magistrate, the Transport Department has been conducting continuous and intensive vehicle inspection drives in the Rudraprayag district. We began these checks in April; combining the figures from April to the present, we have issued 539 challans and generated approximately Rs 30.5 lakh in revenue. In the month of May alone, we issued 1,140 challans, generating around Rs 12.5 lakh in revenue, and this enforcement action will continue. I appeal to all pilgrims visiting for the Char Dham Yatra to travel at a leisurely pace given the weather conditions and to exercise patience..." he added.
Earlier, security agencies carried out a mock drill at the Char Dham Yatra Transit Camp Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. The exercise was done to improve safety arrangements for pilgrims during the Yatra.
Circle Officer Tushar Bora said the drill simulated a situation where one “terrorist” was injured and three hostages were rescued. Teams like ATS, SDRF, fire services, and local police worked together. The drill was meant to keep security forces alert and build confidence among pilgrims.
All four shrines of the Char Dham Yatra—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—were opened in April 2026.
The annual pilgrimage officially started on April 22 with rituals at different temples. At Kedarnath Temple, the journey began with the ceremonial departure of Lord Kedarnath’s Panchmukhi palanquin from Omkareshwar Temple, its winter seat.
Also read: Pilgrim dies after falling into gorge on Kedarnath trek
Follow us
