India is home to many sacred sites that attract millions of pilgrims every year. One of the most popular pilgrimage routes is the Char Dham Yatra, which covers four holy shrines in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. However, such a large influx of visitors also poses challenges for the environment and the local infrastructure.
To address these issues, Uttarakhand is developing the country's first electric pilgrimage corridor on the 900 km long Char Dham Yatra route. This initiative aims to promote eco-friendly transportation and reduce carbon emissions by providing charging points for private electric vehicles (EVs) at every 30 km along the way. All the guest houses on the route will also have charging point facilities .
The electric pilgrimage corridor will not only benefit the environment but also enhance the convenience and safety of the pilgrims. EVs are cheaper to operate and maintain than conventional vehicles, and they also produce less noise and air pollution. Moreover, EVs can help prevent road accidents by reducing traffic congestion and speeding.
The online registration for this year's Char Dham Yatra has started from February 21, 2023, and more than 4 lakh registrations have been done till March 9 . The yatra will begin on April 22 and is expected to attract more than 80 lakh devotees. To ensure their health and well-being, special medical arrangements have been made along the pedestrian route to Kedarnath. A team of doctors with oxygen and other medical facilities will be stationed at every km, and air ambulance facility will also be available for emergency cases .
The electric pilgrimage corridor is a commendable step by Uttarakhand towards promoting sustainable tourism and preserving its natural beauty. It is also a great opportunity for devotees to experience a greener and smoother journey to their spiritual destinations.