Kartarpur Corridor

2022-03-06T00:32:11Z

103.141.159.227:

{{short description|Border corridor between the neighbouring nations of India and Pakistan}}
{{Use dmy dates}}
{{EngvarB}}
{{Infobox project
| name = Kartarpur Corridor
| logo = {{multiple image
| border = infobox
| total_width = 200
| image_gap = 20
| caption_align = center
| image1 = Sri_Dera_Baba_Nanak_Sahib.jpg
| caption1 = [[Dera Baba Nanak|Gurudwara Dera Baba Nanak]] in Dera Baba Nanak, India
| perrow = 2
| align = center
}}
| image = Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur 04.jpg
| caption = [[Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur|Gurdwara Darbar Sahib]] in Kartarpur, Pakistan
{{OSM Location map
| coord = {{coord|32.06|N|75.02|E}} 
| float = center
| zoom = 11
| width = 290 
| height = 200
| caption = {{center|Start and end points of the Kartarpur Corridor}}
| minimap =
| mini-file =
| mini-width =
| mini-height =
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| minipog-y =
| scalemark =
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| mark-coord1 = {{coord|32.08735|N|75.01658|E}}
| mark1 = Red pog.svg
| mark-size1 = 10
| label1 = Kartarpur
| label-size1 = 10
| label-color1 = red
| label-pos1 = top
| mark-title1 = Kartarpur
| mark-image1 =
| mark-description1 = Location of the Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib

| mark-coord2 = {{coord|32.032|N|75.029|E}}
| mark2 = Red pog.svg
| mark-size2 = 10
| label2 =
| label-size2 = 0
| label-color2 = black
| label-pos2 = right
| mark-title2 = Dera Baba Nank
| mark-image2 =
| mark-description2 =

| mark-coord3 = {{coord|32.0722|N|75.0200|E}}
| mark3 = AS-rzeka-icon.svg
| mark-size3 = 10
| label3 = Ravi river
| label-size3 = 10
| label-color3 = blue
| label-pos3 = right
| mark-title3 = Ravi river
| mark-image3 =
| mark-description3 =
}}
| mission_statement =
| commercial =
| type =
| products =
| location = [[Narowal District|Narowal district]], [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]], Pakistan<br />[[Gurdaspur district]], [[Punjab, India|Punjab]], India
| country = {{hlist|[[Pakistan]]|[[India]]}}
| founder =
| established = {{Start date and age|2019|11|9|df=yes}}
| disestablished =
| funding = {{Color|black|State Funded}} $88 million<ref name="thenews.com.pk">{{cite web | url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/484734-rs13-2-bn-to-be-spent-on-gurdwara-kartarpur-uplift | title=Rs13.2 bn to be spent on Gurdwara Kartarpur uplift }}</ref>
| budget = $88 million<ref name="thenews.com.pk">{{cite web | url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/484734-rs13-2-bn-to-be-spent-on-gurdwara-kartarpur-uplift | title=Rs13.2 bn to be spent on Gurdwara Kartarpur uplift }}</ref>
| current_status = {{Color|green|Open}}
| website = *[https://prakashpurb550.mha.gov.in/kpr/ Pilgrimage to Sri Kartarpur Sahib]
*[https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/pilgrim-tourism/ For online pilgrimage visa application from overseas]
|Website= }}
{{Punjabiterm
|sha=کَرْتار پُور لان٘گھا
|gur=ਕਰਤਾਰਪੁਰ ਲਾਂਘਾ
|trg=kartārpur lāṅghā
|trs=kartār pūr lāṉghā
|IPA=/kəɾə̆.t̪äːɾə̆.puɾə̆ läː˦ŋɡ.ä/
}}

The '''Kartarpur Corridor''' ({{lang-pa|ਕਰਤਾਰਪੁਰ ਲਾਂਘਾ {{small|([[Gurmukhi]])}}, {{nq|کرتارپور لانگھا}} {{small|([[Shahmukhi]])}}|translit=kartārpur lāṅghā}}; {{lang-ur|{{nq|کرتارپور راہداری}}|translit=kartárpúr ráhdári}}) is a [[visa (travel)|visa]]-free [[border crossing]] and religious corridor,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pakistan opens visa-free border crossing for India Sikhs |url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/pakistan-opens-visa-free-border-crossing-for-india-sikhs-1.1573309104454 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114044412/https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/pakistan-opens-visa-free-border-crossing-for-india-sikhs-1.1573309104454 |archive-date=14 November 2019 |access-date=5 May 2022 |website=gulfnews.com |language=en |quote=Kartarpur, Pakistan: The prime ministers of India and Pakistan inaugurated on Saturday a visa-free border crossing for Sikh pilgrims from India, allowing thousands of pilgrims to easily visit a Sikh shrine just inside Pakistan each day.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Sevea|first=Iqbal|title=The Kartarpur Corridor: Symbolism, Politics and Impact on India-Pakistan Relations|url=https://www.isas.nus.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/ISAS-Insights-No.-525-The-Kartarpur-Corridor.pdf|journal=Institute of South Asia Studies – National University of Singapore|quote=The corridor is a border crossing that will connect two important Sikh shrines – Dera Baba Nanak Sahib in India and Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan – and provide access for Sikh pilgrims from Indian Punjab to Pakistani Punjab.}}</ref> connecting the [[Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur|Gurdwara Darbar Sahib]], near [[Lahore]] in [[Pakistan]] to [[Dera Baba Nanak|Gurudwara Dera Baba Nanak]], [[Gurdaspur district]], [[Punjab]], [[India]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=India pilgrims in historic trip to Pakistan temple |language=en-GB |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50342319 |url-status=live |access-date=5 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110164734/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50342319 |archive-date=10 November 2019 |quote=The Kartarpur corridor leads from the border straight to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, 4km (2.5 miles) away.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Pakistan opens corridor to one Sikhism's holiest shrines |url=https://www.licas.news/2019/11/11/pakistan-opens-corridor-to-one-sikhisms-holiest-shrines/ |access-date=2022-05-05 |website=Catholic News in Asia {{!}} LiCAS.news {{!}} Licas News |language=en-US |quote=It leads from the Pakistan-Indian border to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur the site where Sikhism’s founder Guru Nanak settled after his missionary work and where he spent the last 18 years of his life.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/515502-Kartarpur-Corridor-Pakistan-India-to-sign-agreement-today|title=Kartarpur Corridor agreement signed between Pakistan, India|website=Dunya News|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105180055/https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/515502-Kartarpur-Corridor-Pakistan-India-to-sign-agreement-today|archive-date=5 November 2019|access-date=2019-11-14|quote=The objective of this Agreement is to facilitate visa-free travel of Pilgrims from India to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan and back to India, through the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20191024-pakistan-india-sign-deal-on-visa-free-corridor-for-sikh-pilgrims|title=Pakistan, India sign deal on visa-free corridor for Sikh pilgrims|website=France 24|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029020114/https://www.france24.com/en/20191024-pakistan-india-sign-deal-on-visa-free-corridor-for-sikh-pilgrims|archive-date=29 October 2019|access-date=2019-11-14|quote=The deal allows for a secure corridor and bridge between the two countries, leading directly to the grave of Sikhism's founder Guru Nanak, just four kilometres (two miles) from the Indian border.}}</ref> The crossing allows devotees from [[India]] to visit the gurdwara in [[Kartarpur, Pakistan]], {{convert|4.7|km|mi|abbr=off}} from the [[India–Pakistan border]] on the Pakistani side without a visa.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/kartarpur-corridor-visa-free-pilgrimage-route-a-good-confidence-building-measure-but-thaw-in-india-pakistan-ties-still-a-mirage-5645601.html|title=Kartarpur Corridor: Visa-free pilgrimage route a good confidence-building measure, but thaw in India-Pakistan ties still a mirage|website=[[Firstpost]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203055538/https://www.firstpost.com/india/kartarpur-corridor-visa-free-pilgrimage-route-a-good-confidence-building-measure-but-thaw-in-india-pakistan-ties-still-a-mirage-5645601.html|archive-date=3 December 2018|access-date=2 December 2018}}</ref> However, [[Pakistani Sikhs]] are unable to use the border crossing, and cannot access Dera Baba Nanak on the Indian side without first obtaining an Indian visa or unless they work there.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/allow-pak-sikhs-to-visit-dera-baba-nanak-takht-jathedar/story-yU2XI2cuHzW1qx3AVWGFSL.html|title=Allow Pak Sikhs to visit Dera Baba Nanak: Takht jathedar|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=2019-11-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111034958/https://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/allow-pak-sikhs-to-visit-dera-baba-nanak-takht-jathedar/story-yU2XI2cuHzW1qx3AVWGFSL.html|archive-date=11 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Kartarpur Corridor was first proposed in early 1999 by [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]] and [[Nawaz Sharif]], the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan respectively at that time, as part of the [[Delhi–Lahore Bus]] diplomacy.<ref name="SGPC">Rana, Yudhvir (3 July 2012). [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/SGPC-demands-government-to-take-up-Dera-Baba-Nanak-Gurdwara-Kartarpur-Sahib-corridor-issue-with-Pakistan/articleshow/14649156.cms SGPC demands government to take up Dera Baba Nanak-Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib corridor issue with Pakistan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402172754/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/SGPC-demands-government-to-take-up-Dera-Baba-Nanak-Gurdwara-Kartarpur-Sahib-corridor-issue-with-Pakistan/articleshow/14649156.cms }}. ''The Times of India''.</ref><ref name="long road">{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/the-long-road-from-kartarpur-to-peace-india-pakistan-5474399/|title=The long road from Kartarpur to peace|last=Roy|first=Shubhajit|website=The Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111031408/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/the-long-road-from-kartarpur-to-peace-india-pakistan-5474399/|archive-date=11 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 26 November 2018, the foundation stone was laid down on the Indian side by Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]]; two days later, then Pakistani Prime Minister [[Imran Khan]] did the same for the Pakistani side. The corridor was completed for the 550th anniversary of the birth of [[Guru Nanak]], on 12 November 2019.<ref>[https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pakistan/imran-khan-to-open-kartarpur-corridor-to-india-on-november-9-1.67265938 "Imran Khan to open Kartarpur Corridor to India on November 9"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109041952/https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pakistan/imran-khan-to-open-kartarpur-corridor-to-india-on-november-9-1.67265938 }} ''gulfnews.com'' Retrieved 20 October 2019</ref> Khan said "Pakistan believes that the road to prosperity of region{{sic}} and bright future of our coming generation lies in peace", adding that "Pakistan is not only opening the border but also their hearts for the Sikh community".<ref name="auto2">{{Cite news|url=https://www.brecorder.com/2019/11/09/542766/kartarpur-corridor-inauguration-testimony-of-pakistans-commitment-to-regional-peace-pm|title=Kartarpur Corridor inauguration testimony of Pakistan's commitment to regional peace: PM|newspaper=Business Recorder}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite news |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/553143-pm-imran-says-kartarpur-corridor-testimony-of-pakistans-commitment-to-regional-peace |title=PM Imran says Kartarpur Corridor testimony of Pakistan's commitment to regional peace |newspaper=The News International |access-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111003428/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/553143-pm-imran-says-kartarpur-corridor-testimony-of-pakistans-commitment-to-regional-peace |archive-date=11 November 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] compared the decision by the two countries to go ahead with the corridor to [[Fall of the Berlin Wall|the fall]] of the [[Berlin Wall]] in November 1989, saying that the project could help in easing [[India–Pakistan relations|tensions between the two countries]].<ref name="TOI Pakistan">{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pakistan-prime-minister-to-lay-foundation-stone-for-kartarpur-corridor-on-wednesday/articleshow/66840380.cms|title=Pakistan prime minister to lay foundation stone for Kartarpur corridor on Wednesday|work=The Times of India|access-date=28 November 2018|agency=PTI|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128173053/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pakistan-prime-minister-to-lay-foundation-stone-for-kartarpur-corridor-on-wednesday/articleshow/66840380.cms|archive-date=28 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{Cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-to-lay-foundation-stone-of-kartarpur-corridor-today/story-jQxLvLWvkDERC43BGXZApO.html |title=Pakistan PM Imran Khan to lay foundation stone of Kartarpur corridor today |newspaper=Hindustan Times |access-date=28 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021201207/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-to-lay-foundation-stone-of-kartarpur-corridor-today/story-jQxLvLWvkDERC43BGXZApO.html |archive-date=21 October 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Previously, Sikh pilgrims from India had to take a bus to [[Lahore]] to get to Kartarpur, which is a {{convert|125|km|abbr=off}} journey, even though people on the Indian side of the border could also physically see [[Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur]] from the Indian side, where an elevated observation platform was constructed.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/a-shrine-so-near-yet-so-far-their-prayers-travel-across-border-they-cant-4797157/|title=A shrine so near, yet so far: Their prayers travel across border, they can't|last=Brar|first=Kamaldeep Singh|website=The Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021201208/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/a-shrine-so-near-yet-so-far-their-prayers-travel-across-border-they-cant-4797157/|archive-date=21 October 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Cabinet clears corridor for Kartarpur up to Pakistan border |last=Parashar |first=Sachin |newspaper=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cabinet-clears-corridor-for-kartarpur-up-to-pakistan-border/articleshow/66757948.cms |access-date=11 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207123644/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cabinet-clears-corridor-for-kartarpur-up-to-pakistan-border/articleshow/66757948.cms |archive-date=7 December 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sikh-corridor-marks-unprecedented-form-of-diplomacy/article25591874.ece |title=Kartarpur marks a fresh start |last=Haidar |first=Suhasini |work=The Hindu |access-date=11 December 2018 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

On 17 November 2021, the Kartarpur Corridor re-opened after over a year and a half of closure due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. Both India and Pakistan have allowed citizens to visit the [[Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur|Gurdwara]] on the condition that they carry both a negative COVID-19 test and are fully vaccinated.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Kaur Sandhu|first1=Kamaljit|title=Kartarpur Sahib Corridor: Covid report, vaccine certificates must as pilgrimage set to reopen after 20 months|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/kartarpur-sahib-corridor-reopen-covid-rules-registration-booking-1877501-2021-11-16|access-date=2021-11-17|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Kartarpur corridor: आज से खुल रहा है करतारपुर कॉरिडोर, श्रद्धालुओं को इन नियमों का करना होगा पालन|url=https://www.aajtak.in/india/news/story/kartarpur-sahib-corridor-opening-today-corona-negative-rt-pcr-report-vaccination-certificate-pakistan-ntc-1358240-2021-11-17|access-date=2021-11-17|website=Aaj Tak|language=hi}}</ref>

==Background==
{{Main|Kartarpur, Pakistan}}
The [[Sikh gurus|first guru]] of [[Sikhism]], [[Guru Nanak]], founded Kartarpur in 1504{{Nbsp}}{{Abbr|CE|Common Era}} on the right bank of the [[Ravi River]] and established the first Sikh commune there. Following his death in 1539, Hindus and Muslims both claimed him as their own and raised mausoleums in his memory with a common wall between them. The changing course of the Ravi River eventually washed away the mausoleums. A new habitation was formed, representing the present-day [[Dera Baba Nanak]] on the left bank of the Ravi river.<ref name="NesbittKaur1998">{{citation |last1=Nesbitt |first1=Eleanor M. |last2=Kaur |first2=Gopinder |title=Guru Nanak |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fKq_PKUltzoC |publisher=Bayeux Arts |isbn=978-1-896209-27-2 |page=15}}</ref><ref>{{citation |last=Singh |first=Jagraj |title=A Complete Guide to Sikhism |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rFm9_Jc1ykcC&pg=PA211 |year=2009 |publisher=Unistar Books |isbn=978-81-7142-754-3 |page=211}}</ref><ref>{{citation |last=Singha |first=H. S. |title=The Encyclopedia of Sikhism |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gqIbJz7vMn0C&pg=PA59 |year=2000 |publisher=Hemkunt Press |isbn=978-81-7010-301-1 |page=59}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sgpc.net/gurus/gurunanak.asp |title=Guru Nanak Sahib |publisher=Sgpc.net |access-date=10 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218023855/http://www.sgpc.net/gurus/gurunanak.asp |archive-date=18 February 2012 }}</ref>

After the 1947 [[partition of India]], the region was divided between India and Pakistan. The [[Radcliffe Line]] awarded the [[Shakargarh|Shakargarh tehsil]] on the right bank of the Ravi River, including Kartarpur, to Pakistan, and the [[Gurdaspur district|Gurdaspur tehsil]] on the left bank of Ravi to India.<ref>{{harvnb|Jha, Rival Versions of History|1996|p=81}}: Mountbatten sent a query to the Secretary of State for India, Lord Listowell, asking what 'other factors' might mean. Listowell... replied that these were entirely for the Punjab Boundary Commissioners to decide. However, he said, "other factors must include the location of Sikh shrines'. This looks very much like a directive to the Radcliffe Commission. Sir Cyril certainly paid heed to it, but not unduly at Pakistan's expense."</ref><ref>{{citation |first1=V. |last1=Yadav |first2=H. |last2=Sharma |chapter=Disaster Management in Border Sensitive Area: Case Study of Amritsar District |editor1=Huong Ha |editor2=R. Lalitha S. Fernando |editor3=Amir Mahmood |title=Strategic Disaster Risk Management in Asia |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PmDACQAAQBAJ&pg=PA216 |year=2015 |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-81-322-2373-3 |page=216}}</ref> In 1948, the [[Akali Dal]] demanded that India should acquire the land of the gurdwaras in [[Nankana Sahib]] and Kartarpur. The demands persisted till 1959, but the Punjab state government controlled by the [[Indian National Congress]] advised against any modification of the boundary fixed by the [[Radcliffe Line|Radcliffe Award]].<ref name="promised in 1969"/>

For many years following partition, Indian Sikhs could visit Kartarpur informally by crossing the Jassar bridge ({{coord|32.04923|74.99242}}) on the Ravi river, as border controls between the two countries were not strictly enforced until 1965.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VxpBDwAAQBAJ&q=india+pakistan+%22border+controls%22&pg=PT176|title=Migrants, Refugees and the Stateless in South Asia|last=Ghosh|first=Partha S.|publisher=SAGE Publishing India|isbn=9789351508533|language=en}}</ref> The bridge was destroyed by Pakistani forces during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965|Indo-Pakistan war of 1965]] to inhibit potential Indian advances,<ref>{{citation |last=Bajwa |first=Farooq |title=From Kutch to Tashkent: The Indo-Pakistan War of 1965 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5a0NAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA257 |publisher=C. Hurst & Co |location=London |isbn=978-1-84904-230-7 |page=257}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.orfonline.org/research/punjab-can-it-be-a-bridge-to-peace-between-india-and-pakistan/ |title=Punjab: Can It Be a Bridge to Peace Between India and Pakistan? |last=Maini |first=Tridivesh Singh |website=ORF |access-date=11 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111123601/https://www.orfonline.org/research/punjab-can-it-be-a-bridge-to-peace-between-india-and-pakistan/ |archive-date=11 November 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> and border controls became more tightly regulated.

In 1969, on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak, Prime Minister [[Indira Gandhi]] promised to approach the Pakistani government for a land-swap so that Kartarpur Sahib could become part of India;<ref name="promised in 1969">[https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/access-first-promised-in-1969/690075.html Access first promised in 1969] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111120555/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/access-first-promised-in-1969/690075.html }}, The Tribune, 28 November 2018.</ref> however, none of this materialised. In September 1974, a protocol was agreed between India and Pakistan for visits to religious shrines.<ref name="Gupta2006">{{citation|author=Kulwant Rai Gupta|title=India-Pakistan Relations with Special Reference to Kashmir|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5qDAY-6QKDoC&pg=PA466|pages=466–467|year=2006|publisher=Atlantic Publishers & Dist|isbn=978-81-269-0271-2}}</ref> Around 2005, the protocol was updated by increasing the number of visits and the number of sites.<ref name="Katyal2006">{{citation |last=Katyal |first=Krishan Kumar |title=Journey to Amity: India and Musharraf's Pakistan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RNjDDTuuFCQC&pg=PA290 |year=2006 |publisher=Har-Anand Publications |isbn=978-81-241-1119-2 |page=290}}</ref> However, Kartarpur was not among the sites included in the 1974{{Nbsp}}protocol. According to the Indian [[Ministry of External Affairs (India)|Ministry of External Affairs]], India had requested its inclusion but this was not agreed to by Pakistan.<ref name=Mitra>Devirupa Mitra, [https://thewire.in/diplomacy/kartarpur-sahib-corridor-ceremony-imran-khan-diplomacy At Kartarpur Ceremony, Imran Khan Emphasises Cooperation, Says Army on 'Same Page'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111120557/https://thewire.in/diplomacy/kartarpur-sahib-corridor-ceremony-imran-khan-diplomacy }}, The Wire, 28 November 2018.</ref><ref name="Parliamentary debates 2012">{{citation |title=Parliamentary Debates: Official Report |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nMWV97a10f4C |year=2012 |publisher=Council of States Secretariat |page=63}}: "In 2005, Government had proposed to Pakistan the inclusion of Kartarpur Sahib in the list of shrines under the bilateral 'Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines-1974. During the meeting between External Affairs Minister and the Foreign Minister of Pakistan on June 27, 2008 it was also proposed to Pakistan side that a stall (?) team from India could visit Pakistan to discuss the modalitics for visa free travel through a corridor to Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan. However, no response has been received from Pakistan side till date."</ref>

Gobind Singh, the caretaker of the gurdwara at Kartarpur, said the gurdwara had "remained shut from 1947 to 2000".<ref>[https://www.dawn.com/news/1433605 Footprints: The borders of man] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111062230/https://www.dawn.com/news/1433605 }}, Dawn, 18 September 2018.</ref> The gurdwara had no staff, despite receiving pilgrims, and entrance was restricted. The Pakistani government started repairing the shrine in September 2000 ahead of the anniversary of Guru Nanak's death and formally reopened it in September 2004.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/before-kartarpur-corridor-a-struggle-to-reopen-restore-6105608/|title=Before Kartarpur Corridor, a struggle of five decades to reopen, restore gurdwara|website=The Indian Express|language=en-IN|access-date=2019-11-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107172510/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/before-kartarpur-corridor-a-struggle-to-reopen-restore-6105608/|archive-date=7 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The Kartarpur Corridor mission was initially started by Bhabishan Singh Goraya, who pursued the cause for 24 years.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/kartarpur-corridor-mission-for-24-yrs-he-now-sees-hope/641493.html|title=Kartarpur corridor mission for 24 yrs, he now sees hope|last=Goraya|first=BS|work=The Tribune|access-date=2 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421193034/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/kartarpur-corridor-mission-for-24-yrs-he-now-sees-hope/641493.html|archive-date=21 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

According to Akali leader Kuldeep Singh Wadala, the gurdwara had been abandoned till 2003. It served as a cattle shed for the villagers and its lands were taken over by [[Sharecropping|share-croppers]].<ref name="promised in 1969" /> Since 2003, however, the Pakistani government has reportedly taken initiatives for the upkeep of Sikh religious shrines.<ref name="visa-free 2008">[http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/pakistan-open-to--visafree--sikh-pilgrimage/297316/ Pakistan open to ‘visa-free’ Sikh pilgrimage], The Indian Express, 16 April 2008.</ref>

== Recent initiatives ==
[[File:Sri_Dera_Baba_Nanak_Sahib.jpg|thumb|Sri [[Dera Baba Nanak]] Sahib, in the Indian town of Dera Baba Nanak]]
During the tenure of Prime Ministers [[Nawaz Sharif]] and [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]], the opening of Kartarpur border crossing was first discussed in 1998. After further discussions during the [[Delhi–Lahore Bus|1999 bus diplomacy]], Pakistan renovated the Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara, and made it available for viewing from the Indian border.<ref name=NewsInternational>[https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/398927-kartarpur-to-lessen-pakistan-india-tension Kartarpur to lessen Pakistan-India tension] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231043056/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/398927-kartarpur-to-lessen-pakistan-india-tension }}, The News International, 27 November 2018.</ref><ref name=OneIndia>[https://www.oneindia.com/international/pakistan-gives-nod-kartarpur-sahib-corridor-agrees-open-border-next-year-2812478.html Pakistan gives nod to Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, agrees to open border next year] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411142714/https://www.oneindia.com/international/pakistan-gives-nod-kartarpur-sahib-corridor-agrees-open-border-next-year-2812478.html }}, One India, 23 November 2018.</ref> The tensions arising from the [[Kargil War]] had effectively destroyed India–Pakistan relations. However, it was reported that General [[Pervez Musharraf]] gave a 'green signal' for constructing a corridor, according to the Pakistan Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee chairman Lt.-Gen. Javed Nasir.<ref>{{citation |author=Varinder Walia |title=Pak nod for corridor to shrine |newspaper=The Tribune |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20001116/main6.htm |access-date=30 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610223116/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20001116/main6.htm |archive-date=10 June 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Manmohan Singh]], during his first{{Nbsp}}term as the prime minister of India, also tabled the issue in a speech in Punjab in 2004.<ref name="SGPC" /><ref name="long road" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-all-you-need-to-know-top-10-facts-1954064|title=Kartarpur Corridor, All You Need To Know: Top 10 Facts|website=NDTV.com|access-date=6 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206113114/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-all-you-need-to-know-top-10-facts-1954064|archive-date=6 December 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The 'composite dialogue process' between India and Pakistan initiated in 2004 also discussed access to Kartarpur via an Amritsar–Lahore–Kartarpur road link.<ref name=NewsInternational/>

In 2008, the Indian foreign minister [[Pranab Mukherjee]] raised with his Pakistani counterpart [[Shah Mehmood Qureshi]] the idea of "visa-free travel" to Kartarpur.<ref name="SGPC" /><ref name="Parliamentary debates 2012" /><ref name="jostle">[https://thewire.in/diplomacy/as-kartarpur-corridor-gets-green-signal-jostle-for-credit-in-new-delhi-and-islamabad New Delhi, Islamabad Jostle for Credit as Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Gets Green Signal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111120601/https://thewire.in/diplomacy/as-kartarpur-corridor-gets-green-signal-jostle-for-credit-in-new-delhi-and-islamabad }}, The Wire, 22 November 2018.</ref> There was apparently no official response, but privately, Pakistan began to express its openness to the Sikh community.<ref name="visa-free 2008" /><ref name="TeriSikh">{{Cite web|url=http://punjabnewsline.com/content/terisikhi-welcomes-pakistan-offer-open-kartarpur-sahib-corridor-sikh-pilgrims/21541|title=TeriSikhi welcomes Pakistan offer to open the Kartarpur Sahib corridor for Sikh pilgrims|location=San Ramon, California|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101012953/http://punjabnewsline.com/content/terisikhi-welcomes-pakistan-offer-open-kartarpur-sahib-corridor-sikh-pilgrims/21541|archive-date=1 January 2011|url-status=dead|newspaper=Punjab Newsline Network}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-06-27/chandigarh/28304424_1_gurdwara-kartarpur-sahib-indian-sikh-pakistan-government|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707004320/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-06-27/chandigarh/28304424_1_gurdwara-kartarpur-sahib-indian-sikh-pakistan-government|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 July 2012|title=Pakistan ready for corridor|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=23 August 2018}}</ref> However, even up to 2012, the Indian government had no response.<ref name="Parliamentary debates 2012" /> The hostility between the countries was apparently to blame.<ref name="Mitra" /><ref name="jostle" />

On 20 June 2008, at a press conference in Dera Baba Nanak arranged by Akali leader Kuldeep Singh Wadala, [[John Warlick McDonald|John W. McDonald]], a former American ambassador and founder of Institute for Multi-Track Diplomacy, called for "a peace corridor, a peace zone" connecting shrines on both sides of the border.<ref name="McDonald">{{harvnb|McDonald, Multi-Track Diplomacy|2011|pp=72–74}}{{citation|last=McDonald|first=John|title=Peacemaking: From Practice to Theory|pages=73–|year=2011|editor=Zachariah Cherian Mampilly|chapter=Multi-Track Diplomacy—lts Origins and Some of Its Accomplishments|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Hx0p4RCdD4wC&pg=PA73|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-0-313-37576-7|ref={{sfnref|McDonald, Multi-Track Diplomacy|2011}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20101207/punjab.htm |title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Punjab |website=www.tribuneindia.com |access-date=11 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170501134106/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20101207/punjab.htm |archive-date=1 May 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 28 June 2008, the Indian foreign minister at the time, [[Pranab Mukherjee]], said that the Indian government would carry out a feasibility study for the peace corridor.<ref name=Walsh>{{Cite news |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/feasibility-study-on-corridor-to-kartarpur-sahib-mukherjee/584342/?next |title=Feasibility study on corridor to Kartarpur Sahib: Mukherjee |newspaper=Outlook India |access-date=11 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216030830/https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/feasibility-study-on-corridor-to-kartarpur-sahib-mukherjee/584342/?next |archive-date=16 December 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Bridging the Sikh Divide |author=Eddie Walsh |newspaper=The Diplomat |url=https://thediplomat.com/2011/08/bridging-the-sikh-divide/ |access-date=11 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402153028/https://thediplomat.com/2011/08/bridging-the-sikh-divide/ |archive-date=2 April 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, since the [[2008 Mumbai attacks]] took place, the relations between India and Pakistan nosedived and the initiative faltered. Members of the Sikh community in Washington DC worked with the Institute for Multi-Track Diplomacy to carry out an independent feasibility study.<ref name=McDonald /> In August 2010, their report titled "Kartarpur Marg" was released by Surinder Singh and the Institute.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EX63cQAACAAJ |title=Kartarpur Marg |last=Singh |first=Surinder |publisher=Institute for Multi-Track Diplomacy |isbn=9780615400044 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Blueprint+for+peace+corridor+between+India+and+Pakistan.-a0212566622 |title=Blueprint for peace corridor between India and Pakistan |agency=ANI (Asian News International) |newspaper=www.thefreelibrary.com |access-date=11 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215224427/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Blueprint+for+peace+corridor+between+India+and+Pakistan.-a0212566622 |archive-date=15 December 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> According to the report, the cost of the corridor would be 17 million US dollars, which the [[Sikh diaspora]] agreed to raise.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/nris-pitch-for-early-construction-of-kartarpur-sahib-corridor/ |title=NRIs pitch for early construction of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor |website=The Indian Express |access-date=11 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215221942/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/nris-pitch-for-early-construction-of-kartarpur-sahib-corridor/ |archive-date=15 December 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Dera-Baba-Nanak-Kartarpur-Sahib-corridor-to-cost-17-million-Institute-of-Multi-Track-Diplomacy-report/articleshow/26012997.cms |title=Dera Baba Nanak- Kartarpur Sahib corridor to cost $17 million: Institute of Multi Track Diplomacy report – Times of India |website=The Times of India |access-date=11 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219223715/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Dera-Baba-Nanak-Kartarpur-Sahib-corridor-to-cost-17-million-Institute-of-Multi-Track-Diplomacy-report/articleshow/26012997.cms |archive-date=19 December 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> The report had said that it would cost Pakistan $14.8 million and India $2.2 million.<ref name="Cabinet clears">{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cabinet-clears-corridor-for-kartarpur-up-to-pakistan-border/articleshow/66757948.cms |title=Cabinet clears corridor for Kartarpur up to Pakistan border |newspaper=The Times of India |access-date=11 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207123644/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cabinet-clears-corridor-for-kartarpur-up-to-pakistan-border/articleshow/66757948.cms |archive-date=7 December 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> In November 2010 the Punjab state legislative assembly unanimously passed a resolution in favour of an international passage between the two sites and forwarded it to the Indian Union government on 1 October 2010.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111128/asrtrib.htm#5 |title=Set up Dera Baba Nanak-Kartarpur corridor |last=Bagga |first=Neeraj |newspaper=Tribune India |access-date=11 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319185740/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111128/asrtrib.htm#5 |archive-date=19 March 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Corridor project ==
In August 2018, the then Indian Punjab tourism minister [[Navjot Singh Sidhu]] attended the Pakistani Prime Minister [[Imran Khan|Imran Khan's]] [[Swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan|inaugural ceremony]] where he was told by the Pakistan Army chief [[Qamar Javed Bajwa]] of Pakistan's willingness to open the Dera Baba Nanak–Kartarpur corridor on Guru Nanak's 550th{{Nbsp}}birth anniversary. Given the clear time frame, this set the ball rolling.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/65466276.cms |title=Navjot Singh Sidhu justifies hugging General Bajwa, says he felt love from Pakistan side |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=23 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911231757/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/65466276.cms |archive-date=11 September 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="jostle" />

In August 2018, another resolution related to the corridor in the Indian Punjab [[Vidhan Sabha]] was moved by then chief minister [[Amarinder Singh]], which was passed unanimously.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/punjab-vidhan-sabha-passes-unanimous-resolution-demanding-corridor-to-kartarpur-sahib-5328164/ |title=Punjab Vidhan Sabha passes unanimous resolution demanding corridor to Kartarpur Sahib |website=The Indian Express |access-date=11 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215223511/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/punjab-vidhan-sabha-passes-unanimous-resolution-demanding-corridor-to-kartarpur-sahib-5328164/ |archive-date=15 December 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> Following this the government of Indian Punjab decided to approach the prime minister of India related to the opening of the corridor. On 30 October 2018, a group of Sikh Americans sought the Indian prime minister's help in opening the corridor.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sikh-americans-seek-pm-modis-help-over-for-kartarpur-sahib-corridor-5425361/ |title=Sikh-Americans seek PM Modi's help over for Kartarpur Sahib Corridor |website=The Indian Express |access-date=11 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215224006/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sikh-americans-seek-pm-modis-help-over-for-kartarpur-sahib-corridor-5425361/ |archive-date=15 December 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> In November 2018, the [[Indian Cabinet]] approved the plan to set up the corridor and appealed to Pakistan to do the same. The Pakistani foreign minister S. M. Qureshi responded by tweeting that Pakistan had "already conveyed to India" that it would open a corridor.<ref name="long road" /><ref name="Cabinet clears"/>

In August 2019, India and Pakistan agreed to allow visa-free travel of Indian citizens to Kartarpur, but differences persisted about Indian consular officers being located at the site.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pakistan-wants-to-impose-service-fee-on-kartarpur-pilgrims-india-objects/story-p5SSK6CZBOQIlBTAFSbrqN.html|title=India and Pakistan fail to finalise agreement on Kartarpur corridor|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=4 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904122622/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pakistan-wants-to-impose-service-fee-on-kartarpur-pilgrims-india-objects/story-p5SSK6CZBOQIlBTAFSbrqN.html|archive-date=4 September 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 24 October 2019, S.C.L. Das, Joint Secretary (Internal Security) in the Union Home Ministry from India and Pakistan Foreign Office Director General South Asia and SAARC [[Mohammad Faisal]] met at Zero Point near Dera Baba Nanak in the border town of Gurdaspur to ink the memorandum of understanding. The signing of this agreement has paved the way for 5,000 Indian pilgrims to visit the holy site without a visa on a daily basis. Under the agreement, the pilgrims would come in the morning and return in the evening after visiting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pakistan, India ink historic Kartarpur Corridor pact |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2086133/1-pakistan-india-sign-kartarpur-agreement-noon-today/%3famp=1/|work=The Express Tribune }}</ref> Each visitor would be required to pay USD $20 as a service charge, which as per Pakistan Foreign Office's DG South Asia & SAARC Mohammad Faisal, would only cover one-third of the current operational cost. India however, had urged Pakistan to waive off the fees for pilgrims. In response, on 1 November 2019, Pakistan's prime minister Imran Khan announced on Twitter that Sikh pilgrims coming from India for a pilgrimage to Kartarpur will not be charged any fee on the day of inauguration and on Guru Nanak's 550th birth anniversary on 12 November 2019.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/pak-not-to-charge-usd-20-from-indian-pilgrims-using-kartarpur-corridor-on-nov-9-12-119110801825_1.html|title=Pak won't charge $20 from Indian pilgrims visiting Kartarpur on Nov 9, 12|newspaper=Business Standard India|access-date=9 November 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109142849/https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/pak-not-to-charge-usd-20-from-indian-pilgrims-using-kartarpur-corridor-on-nov-9-12-119110801825_1.html|archive-date=9 November 2019|via=Business Standard}}</ref> The Pakistan government as a "special gesture" had also waived off the passport requirement for Kartarpur pilgrims extending up to one year. However, the Indian government decided against availing "concessions" announced by Prime Minister Imran Khan.<ref>{{cite news |title=FO regrets India's refusal to avail concessions for Sikh pilgrims |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/amp/1515580 |work=Dawn |access-date=10 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108202810/https://www.dawn.com/news/amp/1515580 |archive-date=8 November 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Indian Ministry of External Affairs announced that passport would be required per the agreement between the two countries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/passports-needed-for-kartarpur-will-go-by-mou-india-11573126612503.html|title=Passports needed for Kartarpur, will go by MoU: India|website=Live Mint|access-date=7 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108142552/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/passports-needed-for-kartarpur-will-go-by-mou-india-11573126612503.html|archive-date=8 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-says-no-fee-for-sikh-pilgrims-on-day-of-inauguration-of-kartarpur-corridor-wa-2125521|title=Pakistan PM Imran Khan Says No Fee For Indian Sikhs On Kartarpur Corridor Opening Day|website=NDTV.com|access-date=6 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105223243/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-says-no-fee-for-sikh-pilgrims-on-day-of-inauguration-of-kartarpur-corridor-wa-2125521|archive-date=5 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Design of Gurudwara complex ===
The Gurudwara complex will have an international standard hotel, hundreds of apartments, two commercial areas and two car parking lots, border facility area, a power grid station, tourist information centre and several offices.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Iqrar |first1=Agha |title=Design and map of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur Corridor Complex |url=https://dnd.com.pk/design-and-map-of-gurdwara-darbar-sahib-kartarpur-corridor-complex/162747 |website=dnd.com.pk |access-date=20 March 2019 }}</ref> Over 400 acres of land was acquired by the [[Government of Pakistan|Pakistani government]] to establish the main complex and its surrounding areas. The main complex has been expanded 10 times from its original 4 acres to 42 acres. The masterplan of the complex has been prepared with visitors from countries other than India in mind.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/516083-Kartarpur-Corridor-project-history-complete-details|title=Kartarpur Corridor project: Everything you need to know|work=[[Dunya News]] TV online|access-date=19 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.etpb.gov.pk/kartarpur-corridor/|title=Kartarpur corridor masterplan and land acquisition|website=[[Evacuee Trust Property Board]]|access-date=19 November 2019}}</ref>

=== Construction ===
In November 2018, foundation stones for the corridor were laid on the two sides of the border by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and the Indian Vice President Venkaiah Naidu respectively.<ref>[https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-to-lay-foundation-stone-of-kartarpur-corridor-today/story-jQxLvLWvkDERC43BGXZApO.html "Lays Foundation For Kartarpur Corridor"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021201207/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-to-lay-foundation-stone-of-kartarpur-corridor-today/story-jQxLvLWvkDERC43BGXZApO.html }} ''hindustantimes.com'' Retrieved 28 November 2018</ref><ref name="long road" /><ref>[https://kartarpurcorridor.com/vice-president-of-india-lays-foundation-for-kartarpur-corridor "Vice President Of India Lays Foundation For Kartarpur Corridor"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111031516/https://kartarpurcorridor.com/vice-president-of-india-lays-foundation-for-kartarpur-corridor/ }}, ''kartarpurcorridor.com'', Retrieved 26 November 2018</ref>

Pakistan's [[Frontier Works Organization]] constructed {{Convert|4.7|km|abbr=out}} of dedicated expressway, including an {{Convert|800|metre|adj=on}} bridge over the [[River Ravi]]. An immigration office was also constructed, and [[Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur|Gurudwara Darbar Sahib]] premises was expanded to accommodate the incoming pilgrims.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1505591|title=Kartarpur corridor opening for India's Sikhs in November|website=DAWN.COM|language=en|access-date=7 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006204256/https://www.dawn.com/news/1505591|archive-date=6 October 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2071021/1-pti-govt-seeks-ppra-waiver-kartarpur-corridor-construction/|title=PTI govt seeks PPRA waiver for Kartarpur Corridor construction|website=The Express Tribune|language=en|access-date=7 October 2019}}</ref> The first phase of the construction of Kartarpur Corridor project was completed in early November 2019.<ref>{{cite news |title=First phase of Kartarpur Corridor project completed|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2092868/1-first-phase-kartarpur-corridor-project-completed/?amp=1|work=The Express Tribune }}</ref>

[[Land Ports Authority of India]], [[National Highways Authority of India]] and Ceigall India Ltd constructed the Indian side of the corridor.<ref>{{cite web | title=Indian part of Kartarpur corridor begins with 4-laning launch | website=The Times of India | date=6 April 2019 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/indian-part-of-kartarpur-corridor-begins-with-4-laning-launch/articleshow/68747141.cms | access-date=7 October 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191103191125/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/indian-part-of-kartarpur-corridor-begins-with-4-laning-launch/articleshow/68747141.cms | archive-date=3 November 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref> A State-of-the-Art Integrated check post (ICP), [[National Highway 354B (India)|3.5 km four-lane highway]] and a 100-metre bridge at Dera Baba Nanak were constructed.<ref>{{cite web | title=Kartarpur Corridor: 4-lane highway, bridge work completed | website=The Times of India | date=3 October 2019 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/kartarpur-corridor-4-lane-highway-bridge-work-completed/articleshow/71414810.cms | access-date=7 October 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101183055/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/kartarpur-corridor-4-lane-highway-bridge-work-completed/articleshow/71414810.cms | archive-date=1 November 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Dhaliwal | first=Ravi | title=Opening sans Pak bridge | website=The Tribune | date=2 October 2019 | url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/opening-sans-pak-bridge/841248.html | access-date=7 October 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007131342/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/opening-sans-pak-bridge/841248.html | archive-date=7 October 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref>

== Inauguration ==
[[File:The art- installation at Indian side of Kartarpur Corridor , Dera Baba Nanak.jpg|thumb|An Art installation at Indian side of Kartarpur Corridor, at Dera Baba Nanak]]
[[File:Entrance of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor (or Nanak Marg) from Dera Baba Nanak side of Indian border 02.jpg|thumb|Entrance of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor (or Nanak Marg) from Indian side of border]]
[[File:Immigration Terminal (Pakistan Side).jpg|thumb|Immigration Terminal on Pakistan side]]

On 9 November 2019, Pakistani Prime Minister [[Imran Khan]] inaugurated the Kartarpur corridor at a ceremony that was held in Gurdwara Darbar Sahib complex, Kartarpur and around 12,000 pilgrims were present on this ceremony.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/international/pakistan/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-inaugurates-kartarpur-corridor|title=Pakistan PM Imran Khan inaugurates Kartarpur Corridor|access-date=9 November 2019|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109175135/https://www.khaleejtimes.com/international/pakistan/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-inaugurates-kartarpur-corridor|archive-date=9 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Imran Khan received the pilgrims<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/india-pakistan-first-pilgrims-make-new-border-crossing-to-sikh-temple/a-51178272|title=India-Pakistan: First pilgrims make new border crossing to Sikh temple|website=DW.COM|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-11-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110030019/https://www.dw.com/en/india-pakistan-first-pilgrims-make-new-border-crossing-to-sikh-temple/a-51178272|archive-date=10 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> and formally inaugurated the Kartarpur corridor by removing a curtain that was lifted by hot air balloons from a huge [[kirpan]] (dagger).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1581336/world|title=Hundreds of Indian Sikhs make historic pilgrimage to Pakistan|website=Arab News|language=en|access-date=2019-11-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110095538/https://www.arabnews.com/node/1581336/world|archive-date=10 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> On the occasion, Prime Minister Khan said "Pakistan believes that the road to prosperity of region{{sic}} and bright future of our coming generation lies in peace, saying that today (9 November 2019) Pakistan is not only opening the border but also their hearts for the Sikh community."<ref name="auto2"/><ref name="auto"/>

Ahead of Guru Nanak's 550th [[Guru Nanak Gurpurab|Prakash Purab]] celebrations, the corridor was open on 9 November 2019, facilitating the first [[Jatha]] (batch) of more than 550 pilgrims to travel to the final resting place of Guru Nanak.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/south-central-asia/pakistan-opens-visa-free-border-crossing-indian-sikh-pilgrims|title=Pakistan Opens Visa-Free Border Crossing for Indian Sikh Pilgrims|website=Voice of America|language=en|access-date=2019-11-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109203523/https://www.voanews.com/south-central-asia/pakistan-opens-visa-free-border-crossing-indian-sikh-pilgrims|archive-date=9 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] welcomed the move and compared the decision for the corridor between the two countries to the fall of the [[Berlin Wall]], saying that the project may help in easing tensions between the two countries.<ref name="TOI Pakistan"/><ref name="auto1"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-modi-invokes-anniversary-of-berlin-wall-fall-kartarpur-says-time-to-move-on/articleshow/71989447.cms|title=PM Modi invokes anniversary of Berlin Wall fall & Kartarpur, says time to move on|last1=Singh|first1=Akhilesh |agency=TNN |work=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=16 May 2022}}</ref> During the inauguration speech, he also said, "I would like to thank the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan Niazi for respecting the sentiment of India."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-thank-imran-khan-for-respecting-india-s-sentiments-pm-modi-at-inauguration-of-kartarpur-corridor-2800803|title='Thank Imran Khan for respecting India's sentiments': PM Modi at inauguration of Kartarpur Corridor|website=DNA India|language=en|access-date=10 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110161431/https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-thank-imran-khan-for-respecting-india-s-sentiments-pm-modi-at-inauguration-of-kartarpur-corridor-2800803|archive-date=10 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Kartarpur corridor: PM Modi thanks Imran Khan Niazi for understanding India's sentiment|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/kartarpur-corridor-pm-modi-thanks-imran-khan-niazi-for-understanding-indias-sentiment/videoshow/71984161.cms|access-date=10 November 2019}}</ref> Modi flagged off the pilgrimage and handed over the flag of the Jatha to [[Jathedar of Akal Takht]] Giani Harpreet Singh.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/international/india/indian-pm-modi-inaugurates-kartarpur-corridor-flags-off-first-batch-of-pilgrims|title=Indian PM Modi inaugurates Kartarpur corridor, flags off first batch of pilgrims|website=Khaleej Times|language=en|access-date=2019-11-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109175402/https://www.khaleejtimes.com/international/india/indian-pm-modi-inaugurates-kartarpur-corridor-flags-off-first-batch-of-pilgrims|archive-date=9 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/scholar-of-many-faiths-rss-critic-meet-the-akal-takht-jathedar-leading-sikh-pilgrims-to-kartarpur-2379599.html|title=Scholar of Many Faiths, RSS Critic: Meet the Akal Takht Jathedar Leading Sikh Pilgrims to Kartarpur|website=News18|access-date=2019-11-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111121515/https://www.news18.com/news/india/scholar-of-many-faiths-rss-critic-meet-the-akal-takht-jathedar-leading-sikh-pilgrims-to-kartarpur-2379599.html|archive-date=11 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

Under the leadership of [[Akal Takht]] jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, the Jatha traveled through the corridor into Pakistan to pay obeisance at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/akal-takht-jathedar-to-lead-first-jatha-through-kartarpur-corridor-tomorrow/story-kh0FELP5XHwBWGRv20oqJN.html|title=Akal Takht chief to lead first jatha|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=2019-11-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110005237/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/akal-takht-jathedar-to-lead-first-jatha-through-kartarpur-corridor-tomorrow/story-kh0FELP5XHwBWGRv20oqJN.html|archive-date=10 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The Indian Sikh delegation that included former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the then [[Amarinder Singh|Indian Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh]], the then Tourism Minister [[Navjot Singh Sidhu]] and actor-turned-politician [[Sunny Deol]] arrived through Kartarpur Corridor to celebrate the 550th anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak and attended the inauguration ceremony on the special invitation from the then Pakistani Prime Minister [[Imran Khan]].<ref name="Dawn">{{cite news |title='This is the beginning': PM Imran inaugurates Kartarpur Corridor on historic day |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/amp/1515830 |work=Dawn |access-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111070523/https://www.dawn.com/news/amp/1515830 |archive-date=11 November 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, speaking on the occasion, thanked both governments for corridor.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sikhsiyasat.net/2019/11/10/kartarpur-sahib-opening-ceremony-dal-khalsa-praises-giani-harpreet-singh-slams-amarinder-singh/|title=Kartarpur Sahib Opening Ceremony: Dal Khalsa Praises Giani Harpreet Singh, Slams Amarinder Singh|website=Sikh Siyasat News|language=en|access-date=2019-11-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111121516/https://sikhsiyasat.net/2019/11/10/kartarpur-sahib-opening-ceremony-dal-khalsa-praises-giani-harpreet-singh-slams-amarinder-singh/|archive-date=11 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Navjot Singh Sidhu in his speech said that Prime Minister Khan had won the heart of [[Sikhs|Sikh community]] by opening the corridor. He mentioned that [[Alexander the Great|Alexander III of Macedon]] won the heart of people by fighting, while Khan won hearts of many Sikhs around the world by giving access to their holy land Kartarpur.<ref name="Dawn"/> Earlier, however, the Indian government's denial of political clearance to Sidhu to visit Pakistan for the Kartarpur inauguration had snowballed into a last-moment controversy.<ref>{{cite news|last=Roche|first=Elizabeth|title=Row erupts over seeming denial of political clearance to Sidhu to visit Pakistan for Kartarpur inauguration|url=https://www.livemint.com/politics/news/row-erupts-over-seeming-denial-of-political-clearance-to-sidhu-to-visit-pakistan-11573133167212.html|work=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]]|access-date=9 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109235929/https://www.livemint.com/politics/news/row-erupts-over-seeming-denial-of-political-clearance-to-sidhu-to-visit-pakistan-11573133167212.html|archive-date=9 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Poetry about Guru Nanak from [[Allama Iqbal]]'s ''[[The Call of the Marching Bell|Bang-e-Dara]]'' was also read by [[List of prime ministers of India|former PM]] Dr. Manmohan Singh and also by Pakistani speakers at inauguration.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aaj.tv/english/latest/4-1-km-and-72-years-sikhs-finally-make-it-to-their-holy-shrine-as-pm-opens-kartarpur-corridor/|title=Sikhs make it to holy shrine : PM opens Kartarpur Corridor|website=AAJ News|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/difficult-questions-stare-at-us-guru-nanak-s-teachings-can-save-us-manmohan/story-gE0jbXYwBjEmGhaIHUleJO.html|title=Difficult questions stare at us, Guru Nanak's teachings can save us: Manmohan|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=2019-11-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110115321/https://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/difficult-questions-stare-at-us-guru-nanak-s-teachings-can-save-us-manmohan/story-gE0jbXYwBjEmGhaIHUleJO.html|archive-date=10 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailyo.in/arts/allama-iqbal-guru-nanak-buddha-casteism-prophet-mohammad-moses/story/1/20499.html|title=What Allama Iqbal's poetry can teach us about Guru Nanak|website=www.dailyo.in|access-date=2019-11-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110115325/https://www.dailyo.in/arts/allama-iqbal-guru-nanak-buddha-casteism-prophet-mohammad-moses/story/1/20499.html|archive-date=10 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Security concerns and propaganda ==
In November 2019, media reported that Indian security agencies had spotted alleged [[Jaish-e-Mohammed|JeM]] terrorist training camp in the Narowal district, where the gurdwara is located.<ref>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/terror-camps-in-district-that-houses-kartarpur-gurdwara-intel/articleshow/71883395.cms Terror camps in district that houses Kartarpur gurdwara: Intel] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106023108/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/terror-camps-in-district-that-houses-kartarpur-gurdwara-intel/articleshow/71883395.cms }}, The Times of India, 4 November 2019.</ref> The [[Foreign Office of Pakistan]] rebutted the Indian claims as baseless propaganda.<ref>PTI, [https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/pakistan-rejects-reports-about-presence-of-terror-camps-near-kartarpur-in-narowal-district-1615736-2019-11-05 Pakistan rejects reports about presence of terror camps near Kartarpur in Narowal district] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105200917/https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/pakistan-rejects-reports-about-presence-of-terror-camps-near-kartarpur-in-narowal-district-1615736-2019-11-05 }}, India Today, 5 November 2019.</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2093464/1-pakistan-rejects-baseless-allegation-terror-camps-near-kartarpur/|title=Pakistan rejects baseless allegation of 'terror camps' near Kartarpur|work=The Express Tribune|language=en}}</ref>

In 2019, in a criticized act,<ref>{{cite web | last=Khwaja | first=Farah | title=Why is a bomb on display at the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib? | website=The Express Tribune | date=2019-11-13 | url=https://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/90728/why-is-a-bomb-on-display-at-the-gurdwara-nankana-sahib/ | access-date=2019-11-15}}</ref> an [[Unexploded ordnance|unexploded bomb]] was placed on display inside the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara premises with an accompanying banner alleging that the [[Indian Air Force]] had dropped this bomb during the [[1971 Indo-Pakistani war]] on the gurdwara in an attempt to destroy it.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-pakistan-army-places-bomb-in-kartarpur-gurudwara-to-instigate-sikhs-against-india-2800607|title=Pakistan army places 'bomb' in Kartarpur Gurudwara to instigate Sikhs against India|website=DNA India|language=en|access-date=10 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110122124/https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-pakistan-army-places-bomb-in-kartarpur-gurudwara-to-instigate-sikhs-against-india-2800607|archive-date=10 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The Sikh pilgrims voiced their sentiments against any "dirty politics" in the name of the Guru.<ref name="The Indian Express">{{cite news |title=We have come to pray, won't tolerate any political propaganda: Sikh pilgrims in Kartarpur |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/we-have-come-to-pray-wont-tolerate-any-political-propaganda-sikh-pilgrims-in-kartarpur-6115425/ |access-date=16 November 2019 |work=The Indian Express |language=en-IN |quote=While many praised Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and former Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, whom they credited for the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor, they were all unequivocal in their sentiments that there should not be any “dirty politics” in the Guru's name.}}</ref>

==Registration process==
The corridor does not require a visa to use, but an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) document is required, which can be obtained by registering an application at a dedicated website of the Indian government.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://prakashpurb550.mha.gov.in/kpr/|title=PILGRIMAGE TO KARTARPUR SAHIB|website=prakashpurb550.mha.gov.in|access-date=2019-11-20}}</ref> Even with a USD$20 fee waiver for all for two days I.e. November 9 and 12, initial turnout was low due to the complicated booking process and the fact that many Indian citizens lack passports.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/kartarpur-corridor-low-turnout-blamed-on-complicated-registration-process-passport-service-fee-119111201253_1.html|title=Low Kartarpur corridor turnout: 'Complicated' booking process blamed|agency=Press Trust of India|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2019-11-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-low-turnout-blamed-on-complicated-registration-process-passport-service-fee/story-FDpXipO6XUUJaTb5w5kmnN.html|title=Only 700 cross over by Kartarpur Corridor despite fee waiver on Parkash Purab|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=2019-11-15}}</ref> [[Aam Aadmi Party]],<ref>{{cite web | title=AAP demands lifting of passport condition for 'darshan-e-didar' of Kartarpur Sahib | website=United News of India | date=2019-11-23 | url=http://www.uniindia.com/aap-demands-lifting-of-passport-condition-for-darshan-e-didar-of-kartarpur-sahib/north/news/1788456.html | access-date=2019-11-23}}</ref> BJP [[Indore (Lok Sabha constituency)|Indore]] MP [[Shankar Lalwani]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/waiver-of-passport-requirement-for-kartarpur-pilgrims-sought-1620882-2019-11-20|title=Waiver of passport requirement for Kartarpur pilgrims sought|agency=Press Trust of India|website=India Today|language=en|access-date=2019-11-23}}</ref> The former [[Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee|DSGMC president]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/former-dsgmc-president-manjit-singh-gk-writes-to-pm-seeks-simplification-of-process-to-go-to-kartarpur/articleshow/72060132.cms|title=Former DSGMC president Manjit Singh GK writes to PM, seeks simplification of process to go to Kartarpur |last=Singh|first=IP|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-11-15}}</ref> and [[Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee|SGPC]] demanded that the Indian government simplify the process.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/simplify-online-registration-process-for-kartarpur-sahib-visit-sgpc-says-amid-low-pilgrim-turnout-2385785.html|title=Simplify Online Registration Process for Kartarpur Sahib Visit, SGPC Says Amid Low Pilgrim Turnout|website=News18|access-date=2019-11-15}}</ref>

Important conditions of travel include:
* Only [[Indian passport]] holders or [[Overseas Citizenship of India|OCI card]] holders can travel by corridor, Pakistanis cannot.
* Children or aged persons of all ages can register to apply.
* After 15 days of travel by corridor another registration can be done for second visit.
* Registration can only be done online at the above-mentioned website of the Indian government.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/kartarpur-corridor-online-booking-steps-to-apply-check-application-status-119102800377_1.html|title=Kartarpur Corridor online booking: Steps to apply, check application status|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2019-11-23}}</ref>

== Reception ==
Lahore-based historian, [[Fakir S. Aijazuddin]], characterised the corridor as a "unique experiment" in cross-border ties between India and Pakistan. He claimed that universality symbolised by Guru Nanak can bring the people of all religions together.<ref name=logistics>Suhasini Haidar,  [https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kartarpur-logistics-worrying/article25617816.ece Amidst euphoria amongst pilgrims, officials worry about Kartarpur logistics], The Hindu, 29 December 2018.</ref> The corridor has been described as Guru Nanak's legacy project depicting his way of living life.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/news-analysis/story/kartarpur-not-just-a-gurdwara-it-s-guru-nanak-s-legacy-project-1617599-2019-11-10|title=Kartarpur not just a gurdwara – it's Guru Nanak's legacy project|last=Shah Singh|first=Harmeet|website=India Today|language=en|access-date=2019-11-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111010223/https://www.indiatoday.in/news-analysis/story/kartarpur-not-just-a-gurdwara-it-s-guru-nanak-s-legacy-project-1617599-2019-11-10|archive-date=11 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> A special episode was dedicated to the corridor in the Hindi TV series ''[[Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/tv/news-gossip/kulfi-kumar-bajewala-kulfi-heads-kartarpur-and-offers-prayers-get-sidanker-back-her-485423|title=Kulfi Kumar Bajewala: Kulfi heads to Kartarpur and offers prayers to get Sidanker back to her|website=PINKVILLA|language=en|access-date=2019-11-15}}</ref> [[Sunny Deol]] stated that the corridor would help maintain peace between India and Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sunny-deol-hopes-kartarpur-corridor-will-help-in-maintaining-peace-between-india-pak-2130106|title="Kartarpur Will Help Maintain Peace Between India, Pakistan": Sunny Deol|website=NDTV.com|access-date=2019-11-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/celebrities/sunny-deol-special-welcome-gurdwara-darbar-sahib-pakistan-kartarpur-latest-photos-563163|title=Sunny Deol receives special welcome at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur; check latest photos|last=Taneja|first=Parina|website=India TV|language=en|access-date=2019-11-15}}</ref> Many Sikh pilgrims praised Pakistani PM Imran Khan and former Indian Punjab minister Sidhu, whom they gave credit for the corridor's opening.<ref name="The Indian Express"/> The [[State Department of the United States]] also welcomed the opening of the corridor.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/international/us-welcomes-kartarpur-corridor-opening-|title=US welcomes Kartarpur corridor opening|website=Khaleej Times|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110141729/https://www.khaleejtimes.com/international/us-welcomes-kartarpur-corridor-opening-|archive-date=10 November 2019|access-date=2019-11-14|quote=The State Department welcomes the opening of a new border crossing between India and Pakistan, the Kartarpur corridor. We see this as a positive example of neighbours working together for mutual benefit. The newly opened corridor is a step towards promoting greater religious freedom}}</ref>

==Facilities==
[[RailTel Corporation of India]] launched the free RailWire Wi-Fi service to pilgrims at Dera Baba Nanak railway station and Integrated Check Post.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/big-boost-for-kartarpur-corridor-pilgrims-indian-railways-provides-free-wifi-at-dera-baba-nanak-station-icp/1765647/|title=Big boost for Kartarpur Corridor pilgrims! Indian Railways provides free WiFi at Dera Baba Nanak station, ICP|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-15}}</ref> [[Jalandhar]] based Republic Motors provided six campus electric carts for travel of pilgrims from Integrated Check Post (ICP) to zero point.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://inc42.com/buzz/electric-vehicles-make-their-way-to-kartarpur-corridor|title=Electric Vehicles Make Their Way To Kartarpur Corridor|website=Inc42 Media|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-15}}</ref> On 8 November 2019, Delhi CM [[Arvind Kejriwal]] announced that the [[Government of Delhi]] will bear all expenses and cost of Kartarpur Sahib pilgrimage under Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/all-expenses-for-kartarpur-pilgrimage-from-delhi-govt-774549.html|title=All expenses for Kartarpur pilgrimage from Delhi govt|website=Deccan Herald|language=en|access-date=2019-11-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/aap-govt-to-bear-cost-of-kartarpur-pilgrimage-cm/article29957239.ece|title=AAP govt. to bear cost of Kartarpur pilgrimage: CM|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-11-15|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

==Proposals for similar corridors==
There are several other proposals for opening of similar visa-free corridors to Sikh religious and historic places that are situated within 4 kilometers of international borders.
* [[Akal Takht]] [[Jathedar of Akal Takht|Jathedar]] Giani Harpreet Singh demanded a same visa-free access corridor at [[Dera Baba Nanak]], India for [[Sikhism in Pakistan|Pakistani Sikh]]s to visit and pay obeisance at Gurudwara Sri Darbar Sahib at Dera Baba Nanak.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/allow-pak-sikhs-to-visit-dera-baba-nanak-takht-jathedar/story-yU2XI2cuHzW1qx3AVWGFSL.html|title=Allow Pak Sikhs to visit Dera Baba Nanak: Takht jathedar|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=2019-11-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111034958/https://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/allow-pak-sikhs-to-visit-dera-baba-nanak-takht-jathedar/story-yU2XI2cuHzW1qx3AVWGFSL.html|archive-date=11 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Corridor to [[Gurdwara Rori Sahib]], the historic gurudwara of Guru Nanak and [[Bhai Mardana]] at Jahman Village near Lahore.<ref name="Khalid 2018">{{cite web | last=Khalid | first=Haroon | title=Kartarpur: Along world's most dangerous border, these gurdwaras could be made part of peace corridor | website=Scroll.in | date=2018-11-30 | url=https://scroll.in/article/903973/kartarpur-along-worlds-most-dangerous-border-these-gurdwaras-could-be-made-part-of-peace-corridor | access-date=2019-11-11 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530151817/https://scroll.in/article/903973/kartarpur-along-worlds-most-dangerous-border-these-gurdwaras-could-be-made-part-of-peace-corridor | archive-date=30 May 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Haroon Khalid 2018">{{cite web | last=Khalid | first=Haroon | title=5 gurdwaras that could be made part of Kartarpur Corridor | website=DAWN.COM | date=2018-12-13 | url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1451202 | access-date=2019-11-11 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191010073248/https://www.dawn.com/news/1451202 | archive-date=10 October 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref>
* Corridor to Gurdwara Lahura Sahib, outside Ghawind village near Lahore.<ref name="Khalid 2018"/><ref name="Haroon Khalid 2018"/>
* Corridor to Gurudwara Jhari Sahib, the historic gurudwara associated with [[Guru Amar Das]] at Tergay village in [[Kasur District]].<ref name="Khalid 2018"/><ref name="Haroon Khalid 2018"/>
* Corridor to historic Gurdwara Bhai Bahlol at Qadiwind village in [[Kasur District]].<ref name="Khalid 2018"/><ref name="Haroon Khalid 2018"/>
* Corridor to Gurudwara Chhevin Patshahi Sri [[Guru Hargobind]] Sahib at Padhana village near Lahore.<ref name="Khalid 2018"/><ref name="Haroon Khalid 2018"/>
* There has been a request by the [[Kashmiri Pandit]] community for a corridor allowing them to visit the [[Sharada Peeth]] temple.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/kartarpur-corridor-construction-underway-but-no-word-on-access-to-sharda-peeth-temple-in-pok-2239531.html|title=Kartarpur Corridor Construction Underway, But No Word on Access to Sharda Peeth Temple in PoK|website=News18|access-date=11 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111114314/https://www.news18.com/news/india/kartarpur-corridor-construction-underway-but-no-word-on-access-to-sharda-peeth-temple-in-pok-2239531.html|archive-date=11 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2019, Pakistani media reported that Pakistan is exploring the possibility of a corridor for Indian pilgrims, and may be close to approving a plan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pakistan-may-open-up-sharda-peeth-for-indian-pilgrims/articleshow/68570764.cms|title=Pakistan may open up Sharda Peeth for Indian pilgrims | date=26 March 2019|newspaper=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-08-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818072851/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pakistan-may-open-up-sharda-peeth-for-indian-pilgrims/articleshow/68570764.cms|archive-date=18 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the Pakistani government has since said that a decision has not been made.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thekashmirimages.com/2019/03/30/no-decision-taken-on-opening-of-sharda-peeth-corridor-pakistan/|title=No decision taken on opening of Sharda Peeth corridor: Pakistan|agency=Press Trust of India|website=Kashmir Images Newspaper|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801162531/https://thekashmirimages.com/2019/03/30/no-decision-taken-on-opening-of-sharda-peeth-corridor-pakistan/|archive-date=1 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
* A [[Western Pahari]] Corridor from [[Shimla]] to [[Murree]] has also been proposed under the [[Aman ki Asha]] initiative to link the similar Western Pahari language-based regions of [[Himachal Pradesh]], [[Jammu Division|Jammu]], [[Azad Kashmir]] and [[Pothohar Plateau]] for boosting commercial and cultural ties.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://amankiasha.com/dreaming-of-peace-dividends-revival-of-shimla-murree-linkages/|title=Dreaming of peace dividends: Revival of Shimla-Murree linkages – Aman Ki Asha |access-date=2020-08-01}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://thewire.in/culture/india-pakistan-peace-shimla-murree-corridor/|title=Dreaming of peace dividends: Revival of Shimla-Murree linkages – The Wire |access-date=2020-08-01}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[List of Gurdwaras in Pakistan]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
* {{citation |last=Jha |first=Prem Shankar |author-link=Prem Shankar Jha |title=Kashmir, 1947: Rival Versions of History |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fBORQgAACAAJ |year=1996 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-563766-3 |ref={{sfnref|Jha, Rival Versions of History|1996}}}}

==External links==
* [http://www.kartarpur.com Kartarpur Corridor], website set up by Founder of Kartarpur Corridor B S Goraya
* [https://www.etpb.gov.pk/kartarpur-corridor/ Kartarpur Corridor] at [[Evacuee Trust Property Board]] (Government of Pakistan)
* [https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/pilgrim-tourism/ Pakistan government online Pilgrim Tourists Visa]
* [https://prakashpurb550.mha.gov.in/kpr/ prakashpurb550.mha.gov.in], Indian government web portal for registration ([[Bureau of Immigration (India)|Bureau of Immigration]], Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India)

[[Category:India–Pakistan border crossings]]

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Kartarpur Corridor