Pakistan, in the final proposal for the Kartarpur corridor project, retained a $20 (more than 1420 INR) service fee on the pilgrims visiting the shrine, multiple reports claimed on Tuesday. The move comes despite India's protests. Pakistan responded that the fee was necessary to cover the operational costs of the corridor. The shrine would be open to people all faiths.
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Kartarpur Sahib is located in Pakistan's Narowal district across the Ravi River, about four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine. The corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district of Punjab and facilitate visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, established in 1522 by Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.
The representatives of the company, Shapoorji Pallonji, undertaking the construction work at the corridor, assured that all works would be completed by the October 31.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the corridor on November 8, Union Minister Harsimrat Badal had said. Two weeks back, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had invited President Ram Nath Kovind and PM Modi to attend the 550th Prakash Purb celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev, including the opening of the Kartarpur corridor.
Devotees would have to apply 30 days in advance for visiting Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib. There would be no stamping on the passport and only the permit would be issued.
-Inputs from PTI
