Char Dham Yatra 2026 Flagged Off from Rishikesh, CM Dhami Launches Pilgrim Buses
The Char Dham Yatra 2026 was ceremoniously launched in Rishikesh on Saturday, with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami flagging off buses carrying pilgrims to the sacred shrines. The event was organized by the Joint Rotation Travel Arrangement Committee. During his visit, the Chief Minister also conducted an on-site inspection of a free health camp set up for devotees.
Welcoming pilgrims from across the country, the Chief Minister described the Char Dham Yatra as not just a religious journey but a path of faith, devotion, and spiritual connection. He said the pilgrimage empowers individuals to overcome challenges and provides deep inner peace and spiritual energy.
He emphasized that the state government is committed to ensuring a smooth, safe, well-organized, and divine pilgrimage experience. The government aims to provide every pilgrim with safety, respect, and memorable moments in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand.
CM Dhami also stressed the importance of maintaining cleanliness during the yatra. He urged pilgrims to keep religious sites and travel routes clean, noting that every part of Uttarakhand is sacred and preserving its purity is a shared responsibility. He highlighted the government’s initiatives for a “Green Char Dham Yatra” and a “Plastic-Free Kedarnath.” Adequate sanitation arrangements have been made along the routes, and carrying dustbins in all vehicles has been made mandatory.
The Chief Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for several transformative initiatives aimed at improving pilgrimage infrastructure. He noted that the recently inaugurated Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor has made travel faster and more convenient. Reconstruction work at Kedarnath and Badrinath is progressing steadily, while facilities at Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Hemkund Sahib are also being rapidly expanded.
He further stated that under the All Weather Road Project, travel routes have been significantly improved. Ropeway projects from Gaurikund to Kedarnath and Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib are also moving forward. Highlighting the economic importance of the yatra, he said it supports the livelihoods of lakhs of people and encouraged pilgrims to purchase local products to boost the regional economy.
Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal stated that the government is highly sensitive to the comfort and health of pilgrims. He advised travelers to follow official advisories and undergo health check-ups before undertaking the journey. He informed that a medical hospital in Kedarnath is now operational, and a 50-bed hospital in Badrinath will be ready by June.
Cabinet Minister Pradeep Batra added that the Transport Department is making continuous efforts to ensure a safe and smooth yatra. This year, shuttle services have been introduced in single-lane and landslide-prone areas. Additionally, a helpline for movable shuttle services will be provided, and LED displays will be installed at various locations to keep pilgrims informed.
Several public representatives and dignitaries were present at the event. With the launch of the Char Dham Yatra 2026, Uttarakhand once again witnesses a vibrant confluence of faith, service, and spirituality.
