Why in the News?

India and Pakistan have extended the Kartarpur Corridor agreement for five years. This will allow Indian pilgrims to continue visiting the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan without a visa. India has urged Pakistan to remove the $20 service charge levied on pilgrims. Over 110,000 Indian nationals have used the corridor since its opening in 2019.

About Kartarpur Corridor

• It is a highly revered Sikh shrine.
• It is believed to be the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
  • Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent the last 18 years of his life here.
• It is a 4.5-kilometer (2.8-miles) long corridor connecting India with Pakistan.
• It provides visa-free access to Sikh pilgrims from India to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan.
• Key Points
• Significance: The corridor is a major milestone in India-Pakistan relations, as it facilitates religious tourism and promotes peace between the two countries.
• Access: Sikh pilgrims can visit the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur without a visa, simply by obtaining a valid Indian passport and registering with the Indian authorities.
• Infrastructure: The corridor includes a modern bridge across the Ravi River, as well as roads and other infrastructure facilities to accommodate pilgrims.
• Inaugration: It was officially inaugurated in November 2019.
• It is seen as a symbol of peace and cooperation between the two countries.