In a major step towards ensuring safer and more organised travel during the annual Char Dham Yatra, the Uttarakhand government has introduced a mandatory “Green Card system” for commercial passenger vehicles. The initiative is aimed at strengthening road safety, improving vehicle monitoring, and ensuring a smoother यात्रा experience for lakhs of pilgrims visiting the Himalayan shrines every year.
The system was formally inaugurated in Haridwar by Transport Minister Pradeep Batra at Roshanabad, marking a significant upgrade in transport regulation for the yatra season.
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Char Dham Yatra : What is the Green Card System
The Green Card system is a compulsory certification mechanism for all commercial vehicles operating on Char Dham routes. Under this system, vehicles must undergo strict checks to verify their roadworthiness, safety compliance, and technical fitness before being allowed to ferry passengers.
Key Objectives of the Initiative
The move focuses on addressing long-standing concerns related to difficult terrain and heavy यात्री traffic in Uttarakhand. The main goals include:
- Ensuring technical fitness and regular inspection of vehicles
- Enhancing passenger safety on hilly and high-risk routes
- Enabling quick access to vehicle data during emergencies
- Improving overall यातायात management during peak pilgrimage
Application Process for Vehicle Owners
Commercial vehicle owners can apply for the Green Card through the transport department’s official online portal. The process requires submission of vehicle-related documents along with payment of a prescribed fee. Only certified vehicles will be permitted to operate during the yatra period.
Boost to Pilgrim Safety and Management
Every year, lakhs of devotees travel to the sacred shrines of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, making transport management a complex task for authorities. The introduction of this system is expected to significantly reduce risks associated with unfit vehicles and enhance emergency response mechanisms.
The initiative reflects Uttarakhand’s continued focus on modernising pilgrimage management while prioritising safety. By ensuring that only verified and roadworthy vehicles operate on these challenging routes, the government aims to provide a more secure, efficient, and hassle-free experience for all Char Dham pilgrims.
