In a significant move to boost connectivity in the Himalayan state, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a crucial review meeting with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, in New Delhi on Monday. The high-level discussion focused on accelerating numerous national highway projects, with a special emphasis on easing traffic on vital pilgrimage and tourist corridors.
Decongesting Pilgrimage Routes and Tunnel Deadline
The meeting yielded several key decisions and updates on long-pending infrastructure plans. A major highlight was the directive to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for an alternative road connecting Bhimtal and Almora. This new route is specifically designed to decongest the perennially clogged Kainchi Dham stretch on the Kumaon corridor, a frequent pain point for commuters and tourists alike.
In another critical update, NHIDCL officials informed that the Silkyara Bend–Barkot tunnel project, which faced setbacks after a partial collapse in November 2023, is now targeted for completion by March 2027. This tunnel is a vital component of the state's all-weather road network.
Major Bypass and Highway Proposals on the Table
A substantial part of the review was dedicated to new proposals aimed at transforming Uttarakhand's road map. Chief Minister Dhami sought approval for several ambitious projects, including:
- The Rishikesh Bypass on NH-07: This involves constructing a 12.7 km four-lane bypass from Teenpani through Yognagri to Kharasrot, estimated to cost Rs 1,161.3 crore. The project features a 4.9 km elevated stretch across three elephant corridors, a 200-meter bridge over the Chandrabhaga river, and a 76-meter Road Over Bridge (ROB).
- Widening of Key Highways: Proposals were discussed for two-lane widening of the 76-km Almora–Danya–Panar–Ghat road (NH-309B) at Rs 988 crore, the 235-km Jyolikot–Khairna–Gairsain–Karnaprayag road (NH-109), and the 84-km Almora–Bageshwar–Kanda–Udiyari Bend road (NH-309A) at Rs 1,001.9 crore. Forest land transfer approval has already been received for the Kanda–Bageshwar section.
- Shyampur ROB: A separate 76-meter ROB at the Shyampur railway crossing, costing Rs 318 crore, was also discussed to ensure smooth traffic flow between Nepali Farm and Rishikesh Natraj Chowk.
Focus on Speed and Streamlined Permissions
The progress of the flagship Char Dham road project and the link to the Mansarovar route was thoroughly reviewed. Minister Gadkari directed all highway construction agencies to expedite work on ongoing projects. He also advised the Uttarakhand government to streamline the process for granting permissions to source construction materials, such as dredging riverbeds and quarrying for road works, to avoid delays.
Chief Minister Dhami emphasized that enhanced road connectivity is pivotal for strengthening pilgrimage tourism, industry, border security, disaster management, and the local economy of Uttarakhand. Responding to the proposals, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari assured that appropriate action would be taken on the submissions made by the state, signaling a green light for the infrastructure push.
