Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 5 May: Cabinet Minister and local MLA Ganesh Joshi today laid the foundation stone for the construction of a new permanent double-lane bridge on the Dehradun-Mussoorie Road near Shiv Mandir, which would replace the damaged structure at the site. The bridge, to be constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 12.17 crores, is expected to substantially enhance connectivity in the region.
On the occasion, Joshi expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for approving the project. He directed officials of the Public Works Department (PWD) to ensure that the construction is completed within the stipulated timeframe while maintaining high standards of quality. He observed that the Dehradun–Mussoorie road holds immense importance for both tourism and for the local commuters also and he described the bridge as a lifeline for Mussoorie.
Joshi further stated that the state government remains consistently committed to strengthening public amenities and developing robust infrastructure across Uttarakhand.
It may be recalled that the earlier bridge at the site was severely damaged during the disaster that struck in 2025. In order to maintain traffic movement, a temporary bailey bridge was constructed as an alternative, and this is currently in operation.
Sharing technical details, Executive Engineer Rajesh Kumar of the Public Works Department informed that under the State Plan, a 60-metre span double-lane steel box bridge will be constructed at kilometre 18 on Dehradun–Mussoorie State Highway No. 1. The project will include pile foundation, RCC abutments, steel girder structure, a 7.50-metre-wide two-lane carriageway, along with 3-metre-wide footpaths on both sides, railings, and crash barriers as part of safety provisions.
The total cost of the project has been fixed at Rs 12.17 crore, and the construction is targeted for completion by August 21, 2026.
Those present on this occasion included Municipal Council Chairperson, Mussoorie, Meera Saklani, BJP State Secretary Neha Joshi, BJP Mandal President Rajeev Gurung, Rajat Agrawal, District Panchayat members Veer Singh Chauhan and Jyoti Kotiya, along with Sunder Singh Kothal, Vandana Bisht, Hotel Association President Sanjay Agrawal, and several local residents.
