Question : Kartarpur Pilgrimage

(a) the details of the Indo-Pakistan Kartarpur pact signed recently and the number of pilgrims permitted to visit the Gurudwaras of both sides;

(b) whether the Government has arranged any electronic authorization for pilgrims;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) the details of funds allocated for the construction and manning of Kartarpur Corridor along with the future costs associated with it;

(e) the measures taken for safety and security of the pilgrims;

(f) whether USD 20 charge has been levied by Pakistan on each pilgrim desirous of visiting Kartarpur Sahib; and

(g) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto along with the negotiations made with the Government of Pakistan for waiving of the said charge?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)
(a): An Agreement between Government of India and Government of Pakistan was signed on 24.10.2019 for facilitation of Pilgrims to visit Sri Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur. The Agreement provides for visa-free travel of Indian citizens and persons of Indian origin having an OCI card. Up to 5000 pilgrims may travel through the Corridor on any given day, as individuals or in groups, from dawn to dusk, with a provision for more pilgrims on special occasions.

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LS.US.Q.NO. 3451 FOR 10.12.2019
(b) & (c): Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a bar coded authorization slip containing details of the applicant and travel date, sent to the applicant after applying on the online portal and receiving confirmation for visiting the Gurdwara.

(d): The details of funds for construction and manning of Kartarpur Corridor are as under: -
(i) Rs. 177.50 crore was sanctioned by Land Ports Authority of India for construction of Passenger Terminal Building.

(ii) Rs. 120 crore was sanctioned by National Highways Authority of India for construction of a four-lane Highway and a bridge connecting the zero point at International Boundary.
(iii) Rs. 18.58 crore was sanctioned to Government of Punjab for security, fire safety and health related arrangements.
(e): Adequate security arrangements have been made for the movement of pilgrims in a safe, secure and smooth manner.

(f) & (g): Government of Pakistan has been levying USD 20 service charge on each pilgrim. Government of India has consistently urged Government of Pakistan that it should not levy any fee or charge on the pilgrims.
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