Gateway system to optimise traffic flow on Gangotri route soon

UTTARKASHI: Ahead of the Char Dham yatra, the administration is preparing to implement a ‘Gateway System' near Limchagad and Dabrani to regulate traffic pressure on the route leading to Gangotri Dham, officials said on Wednesday. SP Kamlesh Upadhyay said vehicles would be released in a phased manner at sensitive locations, thereby preventing excessive simultaneous pressure on the narrow and temporary stretches of the road. He said this arrangement would help minimise traffic jams, accidents and unnecessary delays. A trial run will be conducted after April 10. Congress district president Pradeep Rawat said, "Thousands of vehicles ply on the route daily during the Char Dham yatra season. Narrow stretches could lead to traffic jams, accidents, and delays." The approximately 100-km route leading to Gangotri Dham is expected to remain challenging for devotees this season. Last year's disaster in Dharali region adversely affected the highway, and the route is yet to be fully reconstructed. Pilgrims may again face arduous and hazardous conditions.