Dehradun: The Public Works Department of Uttarakhand has announced an ambitious master plan worth ₹74,100 crore aimed at transforming the state’s road network and infrastructure over the next five years. The plan prioritizes rural connectivity, urban traffic management, tourism growth, and road safety.
Major Focus: Paving 5,735 km of Rural Roads
A significant portion of the budget—₹55,000 crore—has been allocated to convert 5,735 km of unpaved rural roads into all-weather paved roads. This initiative is expected to benefit approximately 8.24 lakh people by improving access to remote villages by 2031.
The move will strengthen last-mile connectivity and boost socio-economic development in rural areas.
Read also: Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Approves ₹59.72 Crore for Water Supply, Flood Control & Infrastructure Projects
₹12,000 Crore for Urban Traffic Decongestion
To address growing urban traffic challenges, ₹12,000 crore will be spent on modernizing city infrastructure. In Dehradun, key projects include:
- Elevated corridors in the Rispana–Bindal region
- Development of ring roads
- Tunnel-based bypass systems
These upgrades aim to significantly reduce congestion and improve daily commuting.
Boost to Tourism and Industrial Connectivity
The government has earmarked ₹1,350 crore to develop tourism and economic hubs. Key initiatives include:
- Promotion of religious tourism in Kumaon under the Manaskhand Temple Circuit
- Development of a lake ring road around Tehri Lake to boost adventure tourism
- Improved connectivity to industrial hubs in Udham Singh Nagar
- Strengthening links with the Amritsar–Kolkata Industrial Corridor
These projects are expected to enhance both tourism and industrial growth.
Bridge Upgrades and New Construction
Infrastructure improvements also include:
- Upgrading 1,200 Class-B bridges to Class-A standards
- Repairing 91 structurally weak bridges
- Construction of new bridges worth ₹1,500 crore
Additionally, under the “Zero Trolley Mission,” temporary trolley systems will be phased out by 2030 and replaced with permanent bridges.
₹4,250 Crore for Road Safety Measures
Road safety remains a key priority, with ₹4,250 crore allocated for:
- Treatment of landslide-prone zones
- Safer road engineering practices
- Modern safety infrastructure
These measures aim to reduce accidents and ensure safer travel across the state.
Phased Implementation Strategy
The master plan has been divided into six phases focusing on:
- Rural road paving
- Economic and tourism connectivity
- Bridge modernization
- Road safety improvements
- Urban infrastructure upgrades
- Innovation and use of modern technologies
A Vision for Modern Infrastructure
The Uttarakhand government’s comprehensive infrastructure push reflects a long-term vision to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and stimulate economic growth. With a balanced focus on rural and urban development, the plan is expected to transform the state’s transportation landscape over the next decade.
