PLACES IN NEWS 22nd SEPTEMBER 2025

Kartarpur Sahib Corridor

Why in the News?

1. The Union Government has suspended the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor since May 2025, citing the prevailing security scenario with Pakistan.
2. Recently, the Centre also barred Sikh ‘jathas’ from visiting Nankana Sahib, sparking criticism from Sikh organisations and political parties.
3. The move has triggered a debate on the government’s selective engagement with Pakistan — allowing cricket matches but restricting religious pilgrimages.

About the Place

1. Religious Significance:
   1539. The Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara, located in Pakistan’s Narowal district (Punjab province), is where Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, spent the last 18 years of his life and attained samadhi in 1539.
2. Cross-Border Corridor:
   1. The Kartarpur Corridor, inaugurated in November 2019, connects Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur, Punjab (India) to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur (Pakistan).
   2. It allows visa-free access for Indian pilgrims, though registration with Indian authorities is mandatory.
3. Management:
   1. In India, the Land Ports Authority of India manages the passenger terminal.
   2. In Pakistan, the Project Management Unit (PMU) of the Evacuee Trust Property Board manages the facilities.
4. Capacity & Distance:
   4. The corridor is around 5 km long.
   5. It can handle up to 5,000 pilgrims per day.
5. Diplomatic Significance:
   1. Seen as a rare example of India–Pakistan cooperation, even during tense bilateral relations.
   2. Part of India’s people-to-people diplomacy, especially for the Sikh community worldwide.
6. Suspensions & Reopenings:
   2021. Closed during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–21), then reopened in November 2021.
   2022. Again suspended in May 2025 after Operation Sindoor and terror incidents.
7. Criticism of Closures:
   1. Sikh scholars and organisations argue that pilgrimages continued even during wars, and halting them selectively hurts religious sentiments.
   2. Critics highlight that India–Pakistan cricket ties are allowed, but religious access is restricted, raising questions of policy consistency.