Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi to discuss critical infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and supporting the state’s growing tourism sector.
Key Outcomes of the Meeting:
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Elevated Road Project: Approval was granted for a 26 km elevated road along the Bindal and Rispana rivers under National Highway-07. The project, estimated at ₹6,164 crore, will be funded by the central government, contingent upon Uttarakhand waiving SGST and royalty charges. The state will handle land acquisition and forest land transfer.
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NH-109 Realignment: Due to the expansion of Pantnagar Airport, the realignment of NH-109 (formerly NH-87) was discussed. The central government will bear the additional cost of ₹183 crore if the state exempts SGST.
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New Projects Approved:
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Construction of the Khatima Ring Road through the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
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Widening of NH-507 from km 12 to 40 (Barwala-Katapathar-Juddo-Lakhwar Bend division).
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Widening of NH-534 from km 157 to 175 (Dugadda-Gumkhal division).
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Rishikesh Bypass: Progress was made on the Rishikesh Bypass (Nepali Farm to Dhalwala). The Union Minister directed the state to complete forest land transfer formalities within three months for this ₹1,546 crore project, after which a final decision will be taken.
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Kedarnath Ropeway: The tender process for the Kedarnath Ropeway, to be executed by National Highways and Logistics Management Limited, will proceed following consultations between CM Dhami and Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways.
Additional Discussions:
Earlier, CM Dhami met with Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupendra Yadav to request environmental clearance and forest land transfer for the 120 MW Sirkari Bhyol Rupasiyabagh Hydroelectric Project on the Gauriganga River. He also sought approval from the National Wildlife Board for a ropeway project from Triveni Ghat, Rishikesh to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple and special financial assistance of ₹404 crore under the CAMPA scheme to address recurring forest fire incidents in the state.
These initiatives are expected to significantly improve infrastructure, support tourism, and contribute to the economic development of Uttarakhand.
