Garhwal Post Bureau
Nainital, 24 Jan: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inspected the ongoing construction of the Kainchi Dham Bypass (Sanatorium–Ratighat) in Nainital district here today. On this occasion, he emphasised its importance as a permanent solution to traffic congestion in the area. The project, which has reached its final phase, is being expedited to ensure completion before the forthcoming travel and tourism season.
Dhami reviewed the progress on site and sought detailed updates from PWD officials and directed that the bypass be opened for traffic at the earliest to provide relief to devotees and tourists.
The 18.15 km long bypass is expected to ease movement for thousands of visitors to the world-renowned Kainchi Dham temple, which attracts devotees from across India and abroad. The CM asserted that the state government’s foremost priority is to provide a safe, smooth and convenient transport system, and the bypass is central to achieving this goal. He reiterated that the project would not only resolve long-standing traffic jams but also enhance the overall experience of religious pilgrimage and tourism in the region.
Superintending Engineer of the PWD, Manohar Singh Dharmshaktu informed the CM that construction and hot-mixing of an 8 km stretch have already been completed at a cost of Rs 12 crores. For the remaining 10.15 km, hill cutting has been finished with an expenditure of Rs 5.06 crore, while culverts, safety walls, and other essential works are progressing rapidly at a cost of Rs 9.81 crores. A 74.15-metre span motor bridge is also under construction to connect the bypass with the Almora National Highway at Ratighat, for which Rs 9.63 crores has been sanctioned and work has commenced.
Dhami noted that once completed, the bypass would provide an alternative, safe, and efficient route for passengers travelling towards the hill districts, thereby boosting tourism and easing local commuting. He also inspected the Bhowali Bypass road from Sanatorium to the Almora route, built at a cost of Rs 9.99 crores, along with a 30-metre span double-lane motor bridge over the Shipra River. He remarked that the operationalisation of this bypass would resolve the persistent traffic bottlenecks in Bhowali Bazaar and ensure uninterrupted movement during peak tourist season.
During his visit, Dhami interacted with labourers engaged in the construction, commending their dedication and issuing instructions for their welfare and safety.
