Kartarpur Corridor

April 29, 2025

The Kartarpur Corridor is religious and cultural link between India and Pakistan. It connects the Darbar Sahib Gurdwara in Narowal, Pakistan, to the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur. This corridor was inaugurated on November 9, 2019, to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism. Despite ongoing tensions between the two nations, the corridor remains operational, allowing pilgrims to visit the revered site.

Historical Context

Guru Nanak Dev was born in 1469 in Nankana Sahib, now in Pakistan. He is the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. His teachings emphasised the ‘Nirguna’ form of devotion, rejecting rituals and advocating for a direct relationship with the divine. The Gurdwara Darbar Sahib is the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev, making it a vital pilgrimage site for Sikhs worldwide.

Operational Details

The corridor allows visa-free access for up to 5,000 Indian pilgrims daily. It is open throughout the year, facilitating visits to the Gurdwara. The corridor’s operation is founded on an agreement between India and Pakistan. This arrangement marks the importance of religious freedom and cross-border cultural exchange.

Current Developments

Following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated. Despite these challenges, the Kartarpur Corridor continues to function. Many devotees advocate for maintaining the corridor open, viewing it as a symbol of peace and unity.

Security Measures

In response to the Pahalgam attack, the Government of India implemented several security measures. These include expelling Pakistani military attaches and suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. The integrated check-post at Attari was closed, and Pakistani nationals under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme were asked to leave India within 48 hours.

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