A new digital program has been implemented by the Uttarakhand government to ensure that the upcoming Char Dham Yatra is more convenient and easier for pilgrims. The big change will be that devotees visiting the four holy shrines will now be in a position to get real-time information on traffic congestion and road conditions on WhatsApp. In addition to this, the authorities have also made a significant announcement concerning the fares on transportation during the pilgrimage season.
The Char Dham Yatra, which encompasses the sacred sites of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, also has a noticeable number of pilgrims joining the site on a yearly basis. The tough Himalayan land and heavy traffic during the high season months have on several occasions resulted in long delays and inconveniences to travellers. In response to this, the management has resolved to deploy WhatsApp as a means of communication in relaying instant traffic messages.
According to the officials, real-time information on road blocks, diversions, landslides, weather-related inconveniences, and congestion points will be provided to registered pilgrims and transport operators. This will enable travellers to plan their travels effectively, bypassing grossly congested sections as well as wasting time in congested routes that have mountainous terrains. The relocation will also be intended to enhance the overall safety and emergency response coordination during the yatra.
Besides electronic traffic notifications, the government is enhancing route management systems by improving the signage and surveillance systems. The law enforcers are concentrating on the movement of crowds and parking, and the efficient movement of vehicles to avoid congestion at major crossroads and at entry points of the temples.
In the meantime, in a huge relief to the devotees, the transport department has declared that no bus fares will be raised during the Char Dham Yatra this season. Having reached an agreement with transport unions and operators, it was agreed that the current fare policy will not be altered even when the cost of operation increases. With this ruling, pilgrims intending to make the holy trip should find it easier to bear the costs.
The move has been embraced by tour operators who have expressed that the stabilized fares, as well as the enhanced communication systems, will make more people pursue the pilgrimage in a better planned and confident manner. Other pilgrims have also shared hope that the WhatsApp alert system can help them escape the snarls of long traffic they have experienced in the past years of observing the yatras.
As the expected number of lakhs of devotees will attend the event, the overall result of digital traffic updates and stable fare policies will mean that the government made more attempts to offer a safer, more structured and pilgrim-friendly Char Dham Yatra this year.
