New Delhi: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Saturday in a courtesy call, expressing gratitude for the Centre’s continuous support toward the state’s development.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister thanked the Central Government for its guidance and assistance, stating that Uttarakhand is achieving new milestones of growth with strong backing from the Centre.
Gifts Presented to the Prime Minister
As a gesture of respect, Dhami presented the Prime Minister with a replica of Maa Surkanda Devi temple from Tehri district, along with traditional products including Badri cow ghee, five varieties of rajma, and locally sourced honey.
Key Central Support Highlighted
The Chief Minister acknowledged several major contributions by the Centre, including:
- ₹500 crore assistance for Haridwar Kumbh 2027
- Feasibility studies under river-linking projects by the National Water Development Agency
- ₹100 crore approval for development of Chaurasi Kutiya in Rajaji National Park
- MoU for Naini-Saini airstrip in Pithoragarh
- Support for safe heli services during the Char Dham Yatra
He also appreciated approvals for infrastructure projects such as underground electric lines in Rishikesh, Champawat bypass, Dehradun Ring Road, and the Dehradun–Mussoorie road.
Uttarakhand Emerging as Wedding & Tourism Hub
Dhami informed the Prime Minister that Uttarakhand is being developed as a global wedding destination. Locations like Chopta, Duggalbitta, and Patwadangar are being developed, while Rishikesh, Dehradun, Ramnagar, and Triyuginarayan are already gaining popularity.
He also highlighted:
- Development of Spiritual Economic Zones in Bel Kedar, Anjanisain, and Lohaghat-Shyamalatal
- Growth in winter tourism and pilgrimage visits
- Surge in visits to Adi Kailash (from 1,761 in 2022 to over 36,000 in 2025)
- Promotion of adventure tourism like river rafting, paragliding, and kayaking
Under the “Vocal for Local” initiative, products are being marketed globally through the “House of Himalayas” brand.
Push for Connectivity: RRTS, Expressways & Rail Projects
The Chief Minister made several key infrastructure requests, including:
- Extension of Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) from Meerut to Haridwar and Rishikesh
- Construction of Delhi–Haldwani Expressway to boost connectivity to industrial hubs and Jim Corbett National Park
- Expansion of Chinyalisaur airstrip in Uttarkashi
- Seaplane services in Tehri Lake
Rail Connectivity Proposals
- Early inauguration of Rishikesh–Vyasi section
- Road-cum-rail tunnel in Tanakpur–Bageshwar line
- New rail surveys and line expansion projects
- Doubling of Haridwar–Dehradun railway line
Defence & Strategic Development Plans
Highlighting Uttarakhand’s strategic importance, Dhami proposed:
- Defence equipment manufacturing hubs in Kotdwar, Haridwar, and Dehradun
- Policy support for defence production industries
- Development of BI-Duck bridge in Raiwala
Invitation to PM Modi for Key Project Launches
The Chief Minister invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Uttarakhand for inaugurations and foundation-laying ceremonies, including:
- Delhi–Dehradun Expressway
- Tehri Pumped Storage Plant
- Expansion of Pantnagar Airport
- Banbasa Land Port on the India–Nepal border
The Banbasa project is expected to boost trade and regional connectivity via the Asian Highway network.
Tourism, Rural Economy & Local Initiatives
Dhami highlighted several initiatives aimed at strengthening tourism and the rural economy:
- Over 6,000 registered homestays
- Launch of “Uttarastays” digital portal
- “One District–One Fair” initiative
- Development under the Vibrant Village Programme
In horticulture, Centres of Excellence have been established in Almora for apple, cherry, plum, and pear cultivation.
Key Government Schemes & Achievements
The Chief Minister outlined major achievements of the state government:
- “Mukhyamantri Solar Swarojgar Yojana” boosting rural employment
- “Mukhyamantri Udyamshala Yojana” supporting entrepreneurs
- “Devbhoomi Parivar Yojana” for digital governance
- 10% reservation for former Agniveers under Agniveer Reservation Rules–2025
- “Uttarakhand Jan Vishwas Bill–2026” simplifying laws and repealing over 500 outdated regulations
These reforms have significantly improved ease of doing business across sectors like industry, labour, mining, and urban development.
The meeting between Pushkar Singh Dhami and Narendra Modi underscores Uttarakhand’s push for rapid infrastructure growth, enhanced tourism, and stronger economic development. With continued central support, the state is positioning itself as a major hub for connectivity, spirituality, and sustainable progress.
