Uttarakhand News: A delegation led by Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar met Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami at the Chief Minister’s residence on Friday. On this occasion, the expansion of railway infrastructure in the state, ongoing railway projects and future railway requirements were discussed in detail.
The Chief Minister said that strengthening of railway connectivity in Uttarakhand will provide new impetus to the overall development of the state, tourism, pilgrimage, investment and local economy. Describing the Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail project as an ambitious and strategically important project of the state, he stressed on completing its works within the stipulated time period. He said that this project will make the transportation more convenient, safe and modern for the devotees and tourists visiting Chardham Yatra, especially Shri Badrinath and Shri Kedarnath Dham.
Taking forward the Tanakpur-Bageshwar rail project was also discussed in detail in the meeting. Railway Board Chairman informed that the survey and DPR of the project has been prepared. The Chief Minister expressed hope that concrete progress would be seen on the project by November 2026. He also called the Karnaprayag-Bageshwar Rail Line and Kichha-Khatima Rail Line projects as important from the point of view of future needs and regional balanced development and urged to take action on them.
The Chief Minister said that in view of the increasing possibilities of pilgrimage and tourism in Uttarakhand, it is necessary to equip the railway stations with modern facilities. He said that Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh and Roorkee in Garhwal division and Haldwani, Kathgodam, Ramnagar and Tanakpur railway stations in Kumaon division are the major entry points of the state. He stressed on expansion of passenger facilities and modern arrangements at these stations.
The Chief Minister also stressed on developing special facilities keeping in mind the increasing number of passengers at Haridwar, Rishikesh and Roorkee railway stations in view of the upcoming Kumbh and Kanwar Mela. He said that with the coordinated efforts of the Railways and the State Government, a better, safe and smooth travel experience can be provided to the devotees and passengers.
The Chief Minister also expressed the need to take effective action in the direction of double line of Haridwar-Dehradun railway line. He said that the expansion and modernization of the railway network will create new opportunities for investment, trade, tourism and employment in the state and will provide long-term strength to the economy of Uttarakhand. Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar Kumar said that the points discussed in the meeting will be worked upon with full seriousness. Secretary Brijesh Kumar Sant and Additional Secretary Reena Joshi were also present on this occasion.