India and Pakistan are expected to inaugurate the Kartarpur Corridor in 2019. The 5-km-long passage, which will connect the two Sikh temples on either side of the border between India and Pakistan, is expected to facilitate hassle free cross-border travel for religious devotees.
The Indian Cabinet has approved the building and development of the corridor, and the road’s first foundation stone has been laid in Pakistan. While the corridor is said to be a remarkable historical landmark between the two nations, it is also expected to boost tourism. The Pakistan Foreign Affairs Ministry reportedly stated that opening the corridor will allow Sikh Yatrees ease of access for their most reverential place of worship, which has been their long-standing demand. This is also reflective of the importance and primacy that Pakistan gives to all minorities.
The trip to the Sikh temple of Darbar Sahib is a difficult one for many Indian Sikhs because of the contentious relationship and security concerns. The Kartarpur corridor will reportedly enable devotees to travel from the border town of Gurudaspur and across the international border into Pakistan without visa. As reported, a survey has already been conducted, and the corridor is expected to be in place for the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak’s birth in November 2019.