Despite the oscillating tensions and skirmishes between India and Pakistan, Wagah border and its flag ceremony remained as one of the favourite attractions for the tourists on both the sides of the border for long.
Now, with Kartarpur Sahib corridor open, the border tourism has another favourite destination to look forward and Sikhs from all around the world and tourists will be flocking this place. In fact, it is more than just tourism as the corridor puts balm on the wounds that both the countries suffered over the years.
The historic corridor was opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Indian side at Gurdaspur on November 9 while his counterpart Imrah Khan did the honours on the other side.
The corridor connects with Gurudwara Kartapur Sahib in Pakistan, which is significant to the Sikh devotees as the resting place of Guru Nanak who spent the last 18 years of his life in Kartarpur.
India has signed the Agreement with Pakistan on the 24th of October 2019 on the modalities for operationalisation of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor at Zero Point, International Boundary, Dera Baba Nanak.
The Corridor from Dera Baba Nanak to the International Boundary will facilitate pilgrims from India to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, round the year, in a smooth and easy manner. The 4.2 Km four lane highway connecting Dera Baba Nanak from Amritsar – Gurdaspur Highway is constructed at a cost of Rs 120 Cr. The state-of-the-art Passenger Terminal Building is on 15 acres land. The fully air conditioned building akin to an airport has over 50 immigration counters for facilitating about 5000 pilgrims a day.
As per the bilateral agreement, pilgrims of all faiths and persons of Indian origin can use the corridor without visa. India will send the list of pilgrims to Pakistan 10 days ahead of travel date.
The opening ceremony itself was attended by over 10,000 Sikh Yatrees from within Pakistan and abroad including India and 67 other Countries. It is all set to be another big tourist destination in the days to come.
