Overview
- Gangotri and Yamunotri temples opened on April 30, marking the start of the Char Dham Yatra, with Kedarnath and Badrinath set to open on May 2 and 4 respectively.
- Nearly 6,000 police personnel, along with paramilitary and disaster response teams, have been deployed, supported by over 2,000 CCTV cameras and a new integrated command center.
- Over ₹1,600 crore has been invested under the PRASHAD scheme for improved roads, rest stops, and a 12.9-km Kedarnath ropeway recently approved to ease pilgrim access.
- More than 22 lakh devotees have registered so far, with officials anticipating a record 60 lakh pilgrims this year, reflecting growing interest in the pilgrimage.
- The Yatra sees increasing participation from younger generations, driven by modern amenities, social media engagement, and a desire for spiritual experiences.