Char Dham Yatra 2025: Massive Health Infrastructure Upgrade – New Hospitals, Ambulances & More

Char Dham Yatra 2025: State Gears Up for a Safer and Smoother Pilgrimage

With the Char Dham Yatra set to begin on April 30, 2025, the state government has ramped up preparations to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage experience. The health department has put together a detailed plan to enhance medical facilities and emergency response systems along the yatra route.

New Hospitals & More Doctors
Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar stated that this year, two new hospitals are being set up at Kedarnath (17 beds) and Badrinath (45 beds) to provide better medical care for devotees. Additionally, 25 specialist doctors will be stationed along the route to handle medical emergencies.

Medical Posts & Checkpoints
To address high-altitude-related health issues, the government will set up 20 Medical Relief Posts (MRPs) and 31 health check-up centers along the pilgrimage route. Moreover, 37 permanent health centers in transit districts like Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri, and Tehri are being strengthened, along with new screening units.

Ambulances & Air Rescue
The health department has decided to deploy 154 ambulances, including 17 Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances. In addition, a helicopter ambulance operated by AIIMS Rishikesh and a boat ambulance at Tehri Lake will be available for swift medical evacuations.

Last year, over 34,000 medical emergencies were reported, with 1,011 patients transported via ambulance and 90 airlifted by helicopter. To improve emergency response, the number of Health Mitras (First Medical Responders) is being increased this year.

Technology & Safety Measures
The E-Health Dham Portal is being upgraded with an SOS button, allowing pilgrims to request immediate medical assistance in case of an emergency. Additionally, Point-of-Care Testing Devices will be used to instantly check 28 key health parameters of pilgrims. To identify high-risk pilgrims before they embark on the journey, mandatory health declarations will be encouraged. The emergency call center is also being strengthened, and training will be provided to hotel staff, dharamshala managers, mule handlers, and other service providers along the route to ensure a safer pilgrimage experience. With these enhanced measures, the state is committed to making the Char Dham Yatra 2025 safer, healthier, and more comfortable for devotees.