The second round of talks on operationalizing the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor was held today at Wagah, Pakistan. The Indian delegation was led by Shri S.C.L. Das, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, and included representatives from the Ministries of Home Affairs, External Affairs, Defence, Government of Punjab, and the National Highway Authority of India.
The meeting focused on finalizing the draft agreement and modalities for facilitating pilgrims, as well as reviewing infrastructure developments on the corridor. Progress from three earlier technical meetings held in March, April, and May 2019 was reviewed, and the crossing point coordinates were endorsed.
India raised concerns over potential flooding of Dera Baba Nanak and surrounding areas due to Pakistan’s proposed earth-filled embankment or causeway. Detailed flood analysis was shared, and India urged Pakistan to build a bridge on their side, similar to India’s bridge, to ensure an all-weather, hassle-free pilgrimage. Pakistan agreed in principle to construct a bridge. Interim arrangements for the corridor’s operation in November 2019 were offered, considering the 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
India emphasized the importance of smooth, unrestricted access for pilgrims, proposing the following:
5,000 pilgrims per day; 10,000 on special occasions
No restrictions based on faith
Visa-free access for Indian nationals and OCI cardholders
Year-round access, seven days a week
Choice of individual or group travel, including on-foot pilgrimages
Provision for langar and prasad for pilgrims
The Indian side also highlighted security concerns and sought consular presence at the Gurudwara. Pakistan assured that no anti-India activity would be permitted. Encroachment issues on Gurudwara land were raised, and Pakistan agreed to consider restoring the land.
India has made significant progress in building state-of-the-art infrastructure, including a passenger terminal capable of handling 15,000 pilgrims per day, to be completed by October 31, 2019. The 4-lane highway to the crossing point is on schedule for completion by the end of September 2019.
Requests were made to allow Nagar Kirtans from Delhi to Nankana Sahib in July and October/November 2019 and to accommodate 10,000 Indian pilgrims under the 1974 protocol for the 550th Birth Anniversary celebrations.
The draft agreement on visa-free, year-round travel for Indian passport and OCI holders, allowing 5,000 pilgrims daily with flexible travel options, was discussed. Pakistan cited infrastructural constraints but agreed to consider phased implementation. Both sides committed to maintaining communication and holding further technical meetings to ensure the corridor is operational in time for November 2019.
