Dehradun: The Central Government has approved road infrastructure projects worth ₹7,016 crore for Uttarakhand, marking a major boost to the state’s connectivity network. The approval comes following sustained efforts by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who raised key development proposals in a high-level meeting with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi.
The sanctioned projects aim to strengthen national highways, improve connectivity in remote regions, and support tourism, pilgrimage, and disaster management needs in the Himalayan state.
Breakdown of ₹7,016 Crore Road Projects
The total sanctioned amount has been allocated across multiple infrastructure categories:
- ₹2,966 crore under the National Highways Original (NHO) programme for five key projects
- ₹750 crore under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for ongoing financial year approvals
- ₹3,000 crore for connecting national highways with branch routes and internal road networks
- ₹300 crore for a tunnel and motor road project from Sikuda Band to NH-309 in Almora
These projects are expected to significantly enhance Uttarakhand’s road connectivity and reduce travel time across key routes.
Key Projects Approved Under NHO Programme
Under the ₹2,966 crore allocation, five major highway projects have been cleared:
- Srinagar bypass project (PMU)
- Four-laning of Purkaji–Laksar–Haridwar road
- Alignment of Lohaghat–Pithoragarh bypass
- Expansion of Mjhola–Khatima road into a four-lane highway
- Strengthening of Ramnagar–Ranikhet (Mohan) road
These projects are aimed at improving regional connectivity and easing traffic congestion in both urban and tourist-heavy areas.
CM Dhami’s Push for Infrastructure Development
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized Uttarakhand’s unique geographical challenges, strategic importance, and growing tourism and pilgrimage traffic during the meeting.
He urged the Centre to prioritize the development of a modern road network that can also support disaster management and border-area connectivity.
Dhami also requested the release of ₹530.11 crore in pending funds from the previous financial year.
Additional Key Approvals and Proposals
Several other important proposals discussed in the meeting include:
- Timely construction of Haridwar bypass to manage traffic during Ardh Kumbh
- Acceleration of Kotdwar bypass project
- MoU approval with Uttarakhand Landslide Management Centre (ULMMC) for DPR preparation in landslide-prone areas
- DPR approvals for BRO-related roads including Rishikesh–Gangotri highway sections
- Policy support for revised performance security norms in low-cost road construction tenders
These measures aim to enhance safety, reduce landslide risks, and improve highway resilience in vulnerable regions.
Significance for Uttarakhand Development
The approved infrastructure package is expected to transform Uttarakhand’s road connectivity by improving access to remote districts, supporting tourism growth, and strengthening strategic highways near border regions. It also aligns with long-term disaster resilience planning in the Himalayan terrain.
About Uttarakhand Road Development Push
Uttarakhand continues to prioritize large-scale infrastructure development due to its mountainous geography, religious tourism circuits, and strategic border location. The latest approvals further strengthen its national highway network and support economic growth across sectors like tourism, logistics, and trade.
