New Delhi: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday highlighted the state’s rapid progress in road infrastructure, crediting the visionary guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the continuous efforts of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. Speaking at a review meeting on National Highway projects held at Bharat Mandapam, Dhami emphasized that the state is moving forward with a smooth, safe, modern, and future-ready road network.
Key National Highway Proposals Submitted
During the meeting chaired by Union Minister Gadkari, CM Dhami submitted several proposals for approval, including:
- Rishikesh Bypass (NH-7): 12.67 km four-lane bypass with an estimated cost of Rs 1,161.27 crore, including 4.876 km elevated stretches over three elephant corridors, a 200-metre bridge over Chandrabhaga River, and two 76-metre Road Over Bridges (ROBs).
- Almora-Danya-Panar-Ghat Road (NH-309B): 76 km two-lane widening project at an estimated cost of Rs 988 crore.
- Jyolikot-Khairna-Gairsain-Karnprayag Road (NH-109): 235 km two-lane widening alignment to enhance connectivity in the hill regions.
- Almora-Bageshwar-Kanda-Udiyari Bend Road (NH-309A): Total length of 84.04 km under Packages 1, 2, and 5 with a cost of Rs 1,001.99 crore; forest land transfer for Package-2 already approved.
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Char Dham Mahamarg and Tourism Connectivity
The Char Dham Mahamarg Project, worth Rs 12,769 crore, aims to make the pilgrimage routes smooth, accessible, and safe. Currently, Uttarakhand has 3,723 km of national highways, of which over 336 km of projects have been completed, while civil work on 193 km is underway at an estimated cost exceeding Rs 15,890 crore. These developments are connecting major religious, urban, and industrial centers such as Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Rudrapur, Kashipur, Haldwani, and Kathgodam, improving industrial and tourism access.
Four-lane corridors like Kashipur-Sitarganj (77 km), Rudrapur-Kathgodam (50 km), and Haridwar-Nagina (67 km) have enhanced connectivity to industrial areas, markets, and tourist destinations. The Delhi-Dehradun Corridor has been developed as a nearly 30 km six-lane access-controlled highway, including a tunnel and an 18 km elevated section at a cost of Rs 1,995 crore. Additional projects such as the Dehradun Bypass (12 km, Rs 716 crore) and Haridwar Bypass (15 km, Rs 1,603 crore) aim to reduce traffic congestion in urban areas.
Focus on Road Safety and Future Projects
CM Dhami stressed the state’s commitment to road safety, implementing black spot improvements, access control at junctions, modern signage, and advanced road safety systems. In mountainous areas, ongoing operation and maintenance projects ensure roads remain functional year-round.
Future projects in the pipeline include:
- Mussoorie-Dehradun connectivity (40 km, Rs 4,000 crore)
- Haridwar-Haldwani High-Speed Corridor (197 km, Rs 10,000 crore)
- Rishikesh Bypass (13 km, Rs 1,200 crore)
- Dehradun Ring Road
- Lalkuan-Haldwani-Kathgodam Bypass
Special care is being taken in environmentally sensitive areas, such as Rajaji Tiger Reserve, with elevated roads, wildlife underpasses, and minimal land use to balance development with conservation.
Silkyara-Polgaon Tunnel Nearing Completion
Civil work on the Silkyara-Polgaon Tunnel is nearly 90% complete, with the central wall construction expected to finish within 5–6 months. Electrical and mechanical work will follow, targeting completion by March 2027.
Government and Ministerial Support
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari assured that appropriate action will be taken on the proposals submitted by CM Dhami. He directed officials to ensure ongoing projects are completed on time while maintaining quality standards. The meeting was attended by Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta, Harsh Malhotra, and senior officials from the concerned departments.
About Uttarakhand’s Road Development
Uttarakhand is investing heavily in road infrastructure to enhance pilgrimage, tourism, industry, border security, disaster management, and economic growth. With ongoing projects, future plans, and a focus on road safety and environmental conservation, the state aims to achieve a modern, future-ready transportation network that connects Garhwal and Kumaon regions efficiently.
