Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has approved financial sanctions of around ₹227 crore for various development schemes and construction projects across the state. A major portion of the funding has been allocated for Kumbh Mela 2027 preparations in Haridwar, including the construction of ghats and an Astha Path along the Ganga.
The Chief Minister has also approved an increase in Dearness Relief (DR) to 60% per month, effective from January 1, 2026, for civil and family pensioners of public bodies and undertakings.
₹214 Crore Approved for Ghats and Astha Path in Haridwar
The largest allocation has been made under the Irrigation Department for the development of infrastructure along the Ganga in Haridwar as part of preparations for the upcoming Kumbh Mela.
CM Dhami approved financial sanctions for the construction of ghats and an Astha Path at two key locations:
- Gaurishankar area near Chandi Ghat downstream: ₹98.18 crore for the construction of a ghat and Astha Path along the left bank of the Ganga.
- Bairagi Camp area: ₹115.91 crore for similar construction work along the right bank of the Ganga.
The total estimated cost of these two projects is ₹214.09 crore.
The projects are expected to improve infrastructure and facilities for pilgrims and visitors during the Kumbh Mela 2027 and strengthen the arrangements along the Ganga riverfront.
₹11.95 Crore Approved for New Cantt Road Upgrade in Dehradun
The Chief Minister has also approved a ₹11.95 crore project for utility and drinking water pipeline shifting work related to the widening of a 1.65-kilometre stretch of New Cantt Road in Dehradun.The road stretch is proposed to be upgraded from a two-lane road to a three-lane road.
The utility and water pipeline shifting work is expected to facilitate the planned road improvement and support better traffic movement in the area.
₹2.41 Crore Approved for Police Outpost Building in Haridwar
An administrative building for Police Outpost Sultanpur in Haridwar district has also received approval. The total sanctioned cost of the project is ₹2.41 crore.
The government has approved the release of ₹96.59 lakh as the first instalment towards the construction work.The project is aimed at strengthening administrative and policing infrastructure in the area.
₹36.84 Lakh Scholarship Support for Children of Ex-Servicemen
CM Dhami has approved ₹36.84 lakh from the Kargil Shaheed Parivar Chief Minister’s Assistance Fund for scholarships for dependent students of ex-servicemen from Uttarakhand.
The scholarship assistance will support students pursuing higher education in:
- Engineering
- Medical studies
- Ph.D. programmes
The initiative aims to provide financial support to eligible dependents of ex-servicemen and help them continue their higher education.
Dearness Relief Increased to 60% for Civil and Family Pensioners
The Chief Minister has also approved an increase in the rate of Dearness Relief (DR) for civil and family pensioners of public bodies and undertakings.
Under the approved proposal:
- Current DR rate: To be revised
- New DR rate: 60% per month
- Effective from: January 1, 2026
- Beneficiaries: Civil and family pensioners of public bodies and undertakings
The decision is expected to provide financial relief to pensioners and their families amid changing economic conditions.
Development and Welfare Initiatives Receive Major Push
The latest approvals cover infrastructure development, Kumbh Mela preparations, road improvement, police infrastructure, educational assistance and pensioner welfare.
The major financial approvals include:
- ₹214.09 crore for ghats and Astha Path projects in Haridwar.
- ₹11.95 crore for utility and drinking water pipeline shifting related to the New Cantt Road upgrade in Dehradun.
- ₹2.41 crore sanctioned cost for the administrative building of Police Outpost Sultanpur in Haridwar, with ₹96.59 lakh approved as the first instalment.
- ₹36.84 lakh for scholarships for dependents of Uttarakhand ex-servicemen pursuing engineering, medical and Ph.D. education.
- 60% per month Dearness Relief approved for civil and family pensioners of public bodies and undertakings from January 1, 2026.
The approvals reflect the Uttarakhand government’s focus on strengthening public infrastructure, improving facilities for pilgrims ahead of Kumbh Mela 2027 and extending financial support to pensioners and families of ex-servicemen.
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