QR codes en route to Char Dham shrines to help pilgrims this season

Pilgrims and tourists will be able to access details of en-route facilities and locations through QR codes starting with this Char Dham pilgrimage season in April 2026. The Dhami government is also focused on providing round-the-clock medical facilities to devotees during the Char Dham Yatras.

Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan said that QR codes providing information on pilgrims’ routines will be displayed at various locations during the yatra season.

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The Chief Secretary said, “Departments and their heads have been directed to ensure that QR codes are displayed at prominent locations en route to Char Dham Shrines, through which pilgrims can access vital information about the area and nearby facilities. Besides, clear and specific signage will be installed at all major points to help pilgrims reach their destinations. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the pilgrimage will also be made public well in time before the pilgrimage season commences.”

Anand Bardhan shared that the district magistrates of Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Uttarkashi have been asked to streamline the preparations and facilities in coordination with various departments, agencies, and stakeholders at their respective levels. The Chief Secretary emphasised that the government expects a robust and practical plan for crowd management be put in place this pilgrimage season, taking into account the challenges faced in the past.

Bardhan stressed that all departments have been instructed to complete their assigned responsibilities in a time-bound and effective manner to make the Char Dham pilgrimage safe, well-organised and people-friendly, leveraging technology.

According to the Chief Secretary, special focus will be on health, electricity, and disaster management, besides sharing information about facilities for devotees. “Health department authorities have been instructed that all medical facilities on the Kedarnath and Badrinath routes must be fully operational without any break. The Energy Department has been asked to ensure an uninterrupted power supply,” he added.

Disaster Management and the Police Departments have been directed to provide immediate updates to pilgrims regarding traffic jams, crowds en route and other emergencies through WhatsApp alerts,” Bardhan added.

He stressed that officials have also been asked to ensure the early placement of necessary machinery and equipment on Yatra routes and to map assets for their rapid deployment as needed. Apart from this, the Animal Husbandry Department will work in tandem with local bodies for proper registration and treatment of mules and horses, as well as the disposal of carcasses in case of casualties during the pilgrimage, Bardhan said.