Assessing progress on Kartarpur corridor, Punjab CM puts forth a slew of measures facilitating ease to pilgrims

Chandigarh, October 02: Reviweing the ongoing work on Karatarpur Corridor, Punjab CM Amarinder Singh on Wednesday asked the Centre to cut down the 30 day notice period for devotees to apply online for visiting the historic Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara during the 550th 'Prakash Purb' celebrations.

 

Chairing the said meet to assess the progress of the corridor project with a team of officers from the Centre, Singh also asked the central team to examine the feasibility of issuing e-permits to devotees and setting up a dedicated Passport Sewa Kendra at Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur to facilitate the lakhs of pilgrims expected to apply for visiting Kartarpur in Pakistan.

 

 

"Such a kendra would facilitate the lakhs of devotees likely to come from far-flung and rural areas," he said, while reiterating his request to the Centre to prevail upon Pakistan to remove the USD 20 visiting fee on the pilgrims.

 

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also asked the RPO Chandigarh to ensure a fast track and accessible mechanism to deliver passport services to pilgrims on top priority. To further facilitate pilgrims, the CM demanded to allow a minimum of Rs 10,000 in Indian currency per person. "The Centre should ensure that enough money exchange booths are set up by Pakistan at the site", he said.

 

CM Singh also reviewed the progress of the dedicated service road being temporarily constructed to connect with the international boundary during the current year. The project would be completed by October 15, the meeting was informed. "The government of India has sanctioned Rs 15,78,09,000 for erecting robust policing and security infrastructure at Dera Baba Nanak. The infrastructure would include a police station, office space for police, besides dormitory accommodation for 150 police personnel, in addition to 50 residential flats", he said in relation.

 

The corridor is slated to connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district in Punjab and facilitate visa free movement of Indian pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib.