Uttarakhand’s iconic Tehri Lake is set for a major transformation as the state government moves ahead with an ambitious ₹1,200-crore development plan aimed at turning it into a global tourism destination.
Backed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the project focuses on improving connectivity, expanding tourism infrastructure and unlocking the region’s immense potential for water sports, adventure tourism and eco-tourism.
Big Push for Tourism Infrastructure
Officials have begun preparing proposals for four new heavy-vehicle bridges in the Tehri Lake region, following ongoing ring road projects designed to improve access around the reservoir.
The initiative is expected to strengthen connectivity between remote villages, tourism hotspots and the Pratapnagar region located across the lake.
Authorities say the plan will also help develop Pratapnagar as a new tourism destination.
Ring Roads to Boost Connectivity
Under the larger master plan, work on the Koti Colony to Dobara-Chanthi ring road is already underway.
Survey work is also in progress for another ring road connecting Pratapnagar to Dobara-Chanthi via Madanneg and Khand Pipaldali.
A third ring road linking Pipaldali to Koti Colony has also been proposed.
These road networks are expected to significantly improve mobility and support tourism expansion.
Four Major Bridges Proposed
To enhance regional connectivity and support heavy transport movement, four major bridges have been proposed across the Tehri Lake area:
- Dobara-Chanthi: 500-metre double-lane cable-stayed suspension bridge
- Pipaldali: 450-metre three-lane cable-stayed suspension bridge
- Koti Colony: 370-metre three-lane suspension bridge
- Hadgikhala: 150-metre three-lane steel truss bridge
The Public Works Department (PWD) has invited tenders from national and international firms for designing and preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs).
Finance Department Clears DPR Preparation
The Uttarakhand Finance Department has approved DPR preparation for the bridge projects.
Officials estimate that DPR preparation alone will cost around ₹10–12 crore, while the full bridge construction and tourism infrastructure package will involve an investment of nearly ₹1,200 crore.
The entire planning and DPR phase is expected to take around one and a half years.
Vision for a Global Tourism Destination
Apart from roads and bridges, the project includes eco-tourism parks, temple development, ropeway renovation, tourist information centres, yoga and meditation hubs, public transport systems, solid waste management and afforestation drives.
Officials believe the integrated development model could position Tehri Lake as one of India’s premier tourism and adventure destinations.
With its vast water body, scenic Himalayan backdrop and growing adventure sports ecosystem, Tehri is being seen as a major tourism asset for Uttarakhand’s future economy.
Also read: CM Yogi Adityanath Inaugurates Chiluatal Tourism Project in Gorakhpur, Plans Eco-Tourism and Water Sports Hub
