CM inaugurates Transport Infrastructure Projects
By Our Staff Reporter
Kashipur, 23 Apr: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the newly constructed Assistant Divisional Transport Office building and Automated Driving Test Tracks at Kashipur, Haridwar, and Rishikesh from here today. These projects, amounting to a cost of Rs 1,127.52 lakhs, aim to streamline transport services and enhance safety through advanced technology.
Constructed at a cost of Rs 8.1768 crores by the Uttarakhand Agricultural Marketing Board, the Kashipur facility encompasses, both, the office building and the Automated Driving Test Track. The Rishikesh track, developed by the Nirman Unit of the Uttarakhand Drinking Water Corporation, has cost an expenditure of Rs 2.3386 crores, while the Haridwar facility has been built at Rs 75.98 lakhs.
On this occasion, Dhami also announced the construction of the Jayatpur–Dhanouri road at an estimated cost of Rs 1,013.95 lakhs. During his inspection, he reviewed ongoing public welfare schemes and interacted with officials, emphasising the importance of transparent and efficient governance.
Addressing the gathering, Dhami expressed sorrow over the recent terrorist attack on Hindu pilgrims in Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir and extended solidarity to the bereaved families. He congratulated the Transport Department and the local populace, stating that the new facilities would expedite service delivery and reinforce technical transparency.
The CM remarked that with the establishment of these Automated Driving Test Tracks, the issue of driving licences will become more scientific and transparent, significantly contributing to road safety. He also launched water coolers and free ambulance services under CSR initiatives, thanking stakeholders, particularly Maruti Suzuki India Limited, for their support.
Highlighting the broader vision for transportation reform, Dhami noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the nation is progressing towards halving road accident fatalities by 2030. The state government is developing Integrated Driver Training and Testing Institutes (IDTR) in Kumaon, alongside mobile-based software (HAMS) created in collaboration with Microsoft to eliminate human interference in licence testing.
Automated test tracks are being developed at eleven more locations across Uttarakhand, and a large driver training institute is under construction in Haldwani, modelled after the one in Dehradun. To expedite vehicle fitness certifications, the government has approved seven private-sector automated testing stations.
Urging parental responsibility, Dhami alerted the gathering against the growing trend of high-speed and reckless driving among the youth, often influenced by social media. He reminded that, in 2024 alone, 1,090 lives were lost in road accidents in Uttarakhand, 70 percent due to speeding or negligence. He appealed to parents to set examples and guide children in safe driving practices.
The CM also spoke of broader developmental efforts underway in Kashipur. With a Rs 1,950 crores investment, infrastructure projects such as drinking water supply, sewerage, road upgrades, and a sewage treatment plant are being fast-tracked. Additionally, a Rs 1,100 crores Industrial Hub and Rs 100 crores Aroma Park are poised to bolster employment and the local economy.
Hs claimed that plans are also in motion to elevate Kashipur’s religious and cultural stature. The government’s vision is to make Kashipur a spiritual gateway to Uttarakhand, akin to Kashi. He also reminded the gathering of ongoing works at the Chaiti Temple under the Manaskhand Corridor initiative.
On this occasion, Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi expressed gratitude to the CM for progressive legislation and employment initiatives, including the anti-copying law and implementation of UCC. MP Ajay Bhatt also echoed these sentiments. He also mourned the Kashmir terror incident. He lauded the developmental strides being achieved under Dhami’s leadership. The event witnessed the participation of ministers, legislators, municipal officials, district administrators, and numerous citizens and government officers.
Later, Dhami also paid homage at the memorial of the late Kailash Gahtori at Sai Public School, Kundeshwari, marking his death anniversary with floral tributes.
