Sonprayag: In an attempt to reach Kedarnath shrine avoiding huge rush, some pilgrims have tried to misuse the emergency service in Sonprayag area of Rudraprayag district. Two ambulances flashing beacons and blaring sirens were intercepted near the Kedarnath trek route, only to reveal that they were ferrying not patients, but pilgrims attempting to bypass the long queues to the revered shrine.
The incident occurred on Saturday near Sonprayag, the last major checkpoint before the 16-kilometre uphill trek to Kedarnath Dham. Alert police officers stationed near the Acrow bridge grew suspicious when they noticed the ambulances heading toward Gaurikund, the final motorable point before the trek begins. No medical emergency had been reported, and Gaurikund itself lacks a hospital facility.
Three men dressed as pilgrims were seated comfortably inside
Upon inspection, officers found no stretchers, no medical equipment, and no injured passengers. Instead, three men dressed as pilgrims were seated comfortably inside, showing no signs of distress. The drivers—Nikhil Wilson Massih from Haridwar and Krishna Kumar from Amroha—admitted that the ambulances had been hired for convenience, not for any medical need.
One of the vehicles, an air-conditioned “luxury” ambulance, had been booked by a single pilgrim. The second, a basic model, carried two passengers. Along the way from Haridwar, the drivers had picked up three additional people, treating the ambulance like a shared taxi.
The 2-kilometre stretch between Sonprayag and Gaurikund is typically covered on foot or via shared shuttle services. From Gaurikund, the real pilgrimage begins—an arduous trek through steep, high-altitude terrain. But for those willing to fake an ailment and pay a premium, the ambulance shortcut offers a way to leapfrog the crowd.
Police seized both vehicles and issued challans
Police seized both vehicles and issued challans under the Motor Vehicle Act. The three original passengers fled into the crowd before they could be questioned. The drivers claimed ignorance about the financial transactions involved, stating they were simply following instructions from the vehicle owners.
“The unusual thing was that the ambulances were heading toward Gaurikund, not away from it,” said a police officer at Sonprayag. “If someone is genuinely unwell, they should be taken to Sonprayag, Rampur, or Rudraprayag—not toward the trekking route”.
Serious concerns about the misuse of emergency services
The incident has raised serious concerns about the misuse of emergency services during the Char Dham Yatra, which has already seen record footfall this year. Authorities are now considering stricter checks on ambulance movements and enhanced surveillance to prevent such violations. As thousands of pilgrims continue to ascend the sacred trail to Kedarnath, the misuse of life-saving services for personal convenience not only undermines the sanctity of the Yatra but also risks delaying real emergencies.
