Centre Extends Kartarpur Corridor Closure Citing Security Risks Amid India-Pakistan Tensions
Kartarpur Corridor remains closed over security concerns.
The Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor will continue to remain suspended due to security concerns, the Centre informed Parliament on Friday. The government said it has received several representations from Sikh religious groups and organisations seeking the early reopening of the corridor, but the prevailing security situation does not allow services to resume at present. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh shared the information in response to a question in the Lok Sabha regarding demands for restoring access to the corridor.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) was asked whether representations had been received from Sikh community leaders, Members of Parliament and civil society groups highlighting the religious and emotional importance of the pilgrimage route. Responding to the query, Singh said the government had received requests for the reopening of the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor. However, he added that the current security environment has compelled authorities to continue the suspension of services. The minister did not provide any specific timeline for when the corridor could reopen.
The Kartarpur Corridor provides visa-free access for Indian pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan, one of the most significant Sikh religious sites associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. The corridor connects the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Punjab with the historic gurdwara located across the international border in Pakistan's Narowal district. An agreement between India and Pakistan for facilitating pilgrim visits to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur was signed on October 24, 2019.
Also Read: India Accuses Pakistan Of Blocking SAARC Progress, Says Everyone Knows The Reason
The agreement was implemented ahead of the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, allowing thousands of devotees to visit the holy site without requiring a traditional visa. The arrangement was later extended for another five years in October 2024. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, services through the corridor were suspended from May 7, 2025, following the Pahalgam terror attack. The decision was taken amid heightened security concerns and increased tensions between India and Pakistan after the attack. Since then, religious organisations and Sikh community representatives have repeatedly urged the government to restore the pilgrimage route, citing its importance for devotees.
The suspension has affected pilgrims who had hoped to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, especially on important religious occasions. Sikh organisations have maintained that the corridor holds deep spiritual significance and provides a historic opportunity for devotees to pay respects at the shrine linked to Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The Centre, however, has maintained that security considerations remain the priority while assessing the situation. Officials said the decision regarding reopening will depend on the prevailing security environment and necessary assessments by relevant authorities. For now, the Kartarpur Corridor remains closed, with no announcement regarding a possible resumption of services.
Also Read: Amit Shah Announces Nationwide Expansion Of FRRO Offices Across All States
