The Uttarkashi district administration is actively working to revive an alternative pilgrimage route to Yamunotri Dham that has been unused for nearly seven decades, aiming to alleviate severe congestion on the current Janaki Chatti–Yamunotri trekking path during the ongoing Char Dham yatra.
Plan to Revive Historic Route
The administration has formally requested a proposal from the Yamunotri Temple Committee. Following the upcoming monsoon season, the Public Works Department (PWD) will conduct a comprehensive survey of the historic Kharsali–Garudganga route to assess its feasibility for reopening.
Current Congestion Issues
Pradeep Uniyal, treasurer of the Yamunotri Dham Temple Committee, highlighted the severity of the situation: “The current Janaki Chatti–Yamunotri route sees massive crowds during the pilgrimage season, resulting in daily pedestrian traffic jams that last for several hours. This extreme congestion also creates a constant safety risk for pilgrims.”
Uniyal noted that the Kharsali–Garudganga route served as the primary pilgrimage path to Yamunotri Dham until 1968. However, after the newer Janaki Chatti route was constructed, foot traffic on the older trail gradually diminished until it ceased entirely. Reviving it will distribute the crowd across two distinct paths to the shrine, significantly reducing bottlenecks.
Official Statements and Next Steps
District magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed the initiative: “We have asked the Yamunotri Temple Committee for a proposal. Once the monsoon passes, the PWD will survey the area to begin reopening the trail. Additionally, we will undertake separate improvement works on the alternative route connecting Bhandeligad to Devdarshani.”
Dedicated Routes for Different Modes of Travel
To further streamline transit and prevent gridlock, officials announced plans to develop three separate routes for different modes of travel:
- Pedestrians: A dedicated walking path for pilgrims on foot.
- Horses and Mules: A separate trail for animal transport.
- Palanquins (Dandi and Kandi): A distinct route for traditional palanquin carriers.
This multi-route approach aims to enhance safety and efficiency, ensuring a smoother pilgrimage experience for all devotees visiting Yamunotri Dham during the Char Dham yatra.
