Pushkar Singh Dhami: Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the meeting organized under the chairmanship of Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi. In the meeting, various important proposals related to road and infrastructure development related to Uttarakhand state were discussed in detail. The Chief Minister stressed the need for the development of a strong and modern road network in the state, keeping in view the geographical conditions of the state, the strategic and strategic importance of the border areas, the needs of pilgrimage, tourism and disaster management. He requested for an early positive decision on the pending proposals of the State.
Under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), consent was given to approve projects worth approximately Rs 750 crore to the state government for the year 2026-27. Along with this, 05 major projects were approved under NHO, whose total estimated cost is approximately Rs 2966 crore. These mainly include PMC of Srinagar bypass, four-laning of Purkaji-Laksar-Haridwar road, alignment of Lohaghat and Pithoragarh bypass, four-lane expansion from Majhola to the populated part of Khatima and strengthening of Ramnagar-Ranikhet (Mohan) road. The Chief Minister also requested for the immediate release of the pending reimbursement amount of Rs 530.11 crore till the year 2025-26.
The Chief Minister requested for timely completion of the Haridwar Bypass Project in view of the upcoming Ardh Kumbh Mela 2027. He said that this will reduce the traffic pressure and devotees and tourists will get the facility of easy transportation. The Chief Minister also requested to expedite the work of Kotdwar Bypass Project, so that the regional traffic system can be facilitated and the local people can get relief from the problem of traffic jam. Both the proposals were agreed to.
The Chief Minister requested to provide in-principle consent of about Rs 3000 crore for some projects for connecting other routes through Spur on National Highways, to which positive consent was expressed by the Union Minister. Apart from this, a project worth about Rs 300 crore for construction of motor road including tunnel from Almora Sikura Band to NH-309 was discussed and agreed in principle.
In view of the successful and efficient work in disaster management in the state, the Chief Minister requested to make an MoU through Uttarakhand Landslide Mitigation Management Center (ULMMC) for preparing DPR for remedial works in landslide affected areas so that permanent and scientific solutions can be ensured in sensitive areas. It has been approved by the Ministry.
The Chief Minister requested for early approval of the pending matters related to Border Roads Organization (BRO), especially the DPR of Hina-Tekhala-Netala-Garmpani section of Rishikesh-Gangotri National Highway and the revised proposals (COS) of Joshimath bypass road. The Chief Minister said that necessary amendments should be made in the present system of additional performance security in cases of tenders received at very low rates, so that road construction and slope treatment work in hilly areas can be completed in a timely and quality manner.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the speedy implementation of all these projects under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the cooperation of the Central Government will give new strength to the road connectivity and infrastructure in Uttarakhand. This will lead to development of border areas, promotion of tourism, increase in disaster management capacity and impetus to the economic progress of the state. Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Shri Ajay Tamta, Secretary Public Works Department Dr. Pankaj Kumar Pandey, Secretary Road Transport Shri Brijesh Kumar Sant, Local Commissioner Shri Ajay Mishra and other senior officials were present in the meeting.
