Transport department to issue trip cards a day before registered date of Char Dham Yatra

PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun

The Transport department will issue trip cards for commercial vehicles participating in the ensuing Char Dham Yatra only one day prior to the registered date of pilgrimage. Their validity will end once the pilgrims complete their scheduled darshan. This move is aimed at controlling unauthorised operations and addressing complaints that arise during the pilgrimage season, the joint transport commissioner Sanat Kumar Singh said. With just two weeks left for the Yatra to begin, the department has intensified its efforts to streamline arrangements. The department has taken strict steps to address recurring issues reported by pilgrims, especially those related to commercial vehicle drivers. These include sudden fare hikes and misbehaviour, which have been common during previous Yatras.

Singh said that a large number of private and commercial vehicles travel to Char Dham during the pilgrimage period. Many pilgrims, especially from outside the State, rely on commercial vehicles. In recent years, instances of fraud and mistreatment by some commercial operators have come to light. Considering this, the department has decided that in cases where complaints of fraud or misconduct are reported, both the trip card and the green card of the vehicle involved can be revoked. Vehicles without valid cards will not be allowed to operate on the Yatra routes. He said, “This year, changes have been made to the existing regulations. The number of pilgrims is expected to rise compared to 2024, when about 32,000 green cards were issued. For 2025, the department anticipates issuing between 35,000 and 40,000 green cards.”

He further stated that ensuring availability of vehicles for pilgrims remains a key priority for the department. He said that the department is taking all possible measures to prevent any form of overcharging, last-minute cancellations or exploitation. “The department has also linked the trip card system to the tourism website’s registration data. Only vehicles associated with registered pilgrims will receive trip cards and these cards will be time-bound, based on the dates of darshan,” he said.