Preparations for Char Dham Yatra 2026 intensify. No limit on pilgrims, but registration mandatory. Shrines open from April 19. Strict action against fake registrations.
Dehradun:
The administration has accelerated preparations for the smooth, safe, and well-organized conduct of the Char Dham Yatra 2026. In this regard, Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey chaired a crucial meeting on Monday at the Transit Camp in Rishikesh with representatives of hotel associations, tour and travel unions, and Dandi-Kandi operators.
Garhwal Range Inspector General (IG) Rajeev Swaroop and senior officials from various departments were also present during the meeting.
Preparations Aligned with ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ Vision
The Commissioner stated that preparations are being undertaken on a large scale in line with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s vision of “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guests are akin to God). The primary objective is to ensure that pilgrims experience a simple, smooth, and secure journey.
Opening Dates of the Shrines Announced
The opening dates of the four Himalayan shrines have already been declared:
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Gangotri Temple and Yamunotri Temple will open on April 19, 2026 (Akshaya Tritiya).
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Kedarnath Temple will open on April 22, 2026.
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Badrinath Temple will open on April 23, 2026.
No Cap on Pilgrim Numbers, Registration Mandatory
The Commissioner clarified that there will be no limit on the number of pilgrims this year. However, registration will be mandatory for every pilgrim.
To curb fake registrations, a nominal registration fee will be introduced. The registration system will be made transparent, simple, and digitally streamlined. A committee under the chairmanship of the Additional Commissioner has been constituted to review stakeholder suggestions and submit recommendations. The registration process is expected to begin soon after the committee’s report.
Priority to Local Vehicles; Strict Action Against Illegal Operations
Responding to demands from the Tour & Travels Union, the Commissioner directed that local registered vehicles will be given priority during the Yatra. The Transport Department has been instructed to take strict enforcement action against private vehicles illegally ferrying passengers for hire.
Additionally, hotels accommodating pilgrims will be required to ensure proper parking arrangements within their premises to maintain smooth traffic management.
Time-Bound Verification of Dandi-Kandi Operators
Officials have been directed to complete the registration, verification, and fee determination process for Dandi-Kandi operators in a time-bound manner to avoid any inconvenience during the pilgrimage.
Stakeholder Suggestions to Be Implemented
Hotel associations suggested early commencement of the registration process, priority for pilgrims undertaking all four shrines, and preference for those with confirmed hotel bookings.
The Tour & Travels Union recommended restricting outside travel agencies and ensuring strict action against unauthorized passenger transport.
The Garhwal Commissioner assured all stakeholders that their practical suggestions would be incorporated to make the Char Dham Yatra 2026 more efficient and secure.
Administration’s Commitment
The administration remains committed to:
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Effective crowd management
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Safe and regulated transport operations
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Transparent registration mechanisms
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Coordinated inter-departmental efforts
With comprehensive planning underway, the government aims to provide devotees from across India and abroad a safe, spiritually enriching, and memorable pilgrimage experience during Char Dham Yatra 2026.
The meeting was attended by Garhwal Range Inspector General of Police Rajeev Swaroop, District Magistrate, Rudraprayag Vishal Mishra, Additional Commissioner (Administration) Uttam Singh Chauhan, Divisional Transport Officer, Dehradun Sandeep Saini, Deputy Director Tourism Amit Lohani, Controller and Chief Executive Officer Man Mohan Singh Rawat, President of the Chardham Association Rajesh Mehta, along with Shailendra Mathuda, Shailesh Dhyani, Secretary of the Hotel Association Manoj Semwal, Nikhilesh Semwal, BP Naithani, Subhash Singh, Dheeraj Semwal, Anil Kumar, Vinod Dimri, and Amar Belwal.
Senior officials from various departments associated with the Char Dham Yatra, as well as representatives of the Hotel Association, Tour and Travels Union, and Dandi-Kandi operators, were also present at the meeting.
