In a bid to streamline the payment process and ease traffic congestion, a fast track system for eco-tourism fee collection has been launched at Badrinath Dham. With the growing influx of pilgrims during the Char Dham Yatra, the Badrinath Nagar Panchayat has introduced this system at the Devdarshini entrance to simplify eco-fee payments for visiting vehicles. The initiative was inaugurated virtually on Thursday by District Magistrate Dr. Sandeep Tiwari.
Previously, eco-tourism fees were collected via cash or QR code, which led to delays and traffic congestion due to the high volume of pilgrim vehicles. The new fast track facility, developed with technical support from Park Plus, is expected to significantly reduce wait times and improve the pilgrimage experience.
Executive Officer of Badrinath Nagar Panchayat, Sunil Purohit, stated that following the 2022 gazette notification, eco-tourism fees are charged as follows: ₹60 for four-wheelers, ₹100 for tempo travellers and minibuses, ₹120 for buses, and ₹1,000 for helicopters. The funds collected support tourism development, solid waste management, additional staff deployment during the yatra season, operation of entry barriers, and organizing tourism festivals in the region.
The Badrinath Dham now hosts the country’s highest-altitude fast track payment system. Officials including Sub-Divisional Magistrate Chandrashekhar Vashisth, Bhuvan Chandra Uniyal, Jagjit Mehta, and Additional District Magistrate Vivek Prakash also attended the inauguration virtually.
