Also meets NSA Ajit Doval
By Our Staff Reporter
NEW DELHI, 8 Apr: Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan met with the Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board, Satish Kumar, in New Delhi to hold in-depth discussion on strengthening railway connectivity in Uttarakhand, expediting the implementation of new rail projects, and reviewing the progress of earlier proposals. The Chief Secretary also met the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to discuss various matters related to the state.
The Chief Secretary informed the Railway Board Chairman that Uttarakhand currently has a total of five railway projects, of which three are proposed and two – including the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project – are under execution.
The Gangotri-Yamunotri Rail Project, with a total length of 121.76 km and 10 stations, has completed its survey, and the DPR (Detailed Project Report) has been submitted to the Railway Board. Approval is awaited.
The Tanakpur-Bageshwar Rail Project, covering 170.70 km with 12 stations, has also completed its survey, and the DPR has been submitted. Approval is pending.
The Dehradun-Saharanpur Rail Project, with a total distance of 92.60 km and 8 stations, is currently undergoing survey work.
Additionally, discussions were held on the progress of the Dehradun-Saharanpur project survey, the doubling of the Haridwar-Dehradun railway line, and the development of Harrawala railway station in Dehradun. The possibility of extending the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) from Meerut to Haridwar was also explored.
Anand Bardhan emphasized that connecting the remote hilly regions of Uttarakhand via rail is critical for the state’s industrial, economic, and social development, as well as for ensuring year-round accessibility for pilgrims visiting the state’s world-renowned religious shrines. From a strategic and infrastructure development perspective, railway expansion is of vital importance for Uttarakhand.
