CM pursues railway expansion plans with Railway Board delegation
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 19 Jun: A delegation of the Railway Board led by Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar called on Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami at his residence here today. On this occasion, the CM and the Railway delegation held detailed discussions on railway infrastructure expansion, ongoing projects and future requirements in Uttarakhand.
Speaking on the occasion, Dhami asserted that the strengthening of the railway connectivity would accelerate the state’s overall development, tourism, pilgrimage, investment and local economy. He described the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag rail project as highly ambitious and strategically vital and stressed that its completion within the stipulated timeframe is essential. He added that this project will make travel to the Char Dham shrines, particularly Badrinath and Kedarnath, more convenient, safe and modern for pilgrims and tourists. The CM also urged the Railway Board to ensure timely sanctions and approvals so that work does not suffer delays.
In view of the forthcoming Kumbh and Kanwar fairs, the CM called for special facilities at Haridwar, Rishikesh and Roorkee stations to manage the rising number of visitors. He said that coordinated efforts between the Railway and the state government can ensure a better, safer and smoother travel experience for devotees and passengers.
Dhami also stressed the need for an effective and early action towards doubling the Haridwar–Dehradun rail line. He remarked that expansion and modernisation of the railway network would generate new opportunities in investment, trade, tourism and employment, thereby strengthening Uttarakhand’s economy in the long term.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of the Tanakpur–Bageshwar rail project, during which the Railway Board Chairman informed the CM that the survey and DPR have been completed. Dhami expressed hope that some concrete progress would be visible by November 2026. He stressed on the importance of the Karnaprayag–Bageshwar and Kichha–Khatima rail lines for balanced regional development and requested that the Railway Board expedite necessary sanctions to move these projects forward.
Highlighting the growing prospects of pilgrimage and tourism, Dhami said railway stations must be equipped with modern facilities. He pointed out that Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh and Roorkee in Garhwal, along with Haldwani, Kathgodam, Ramnagar and Tanakpur in Kumaon, serve as major gateways to the state. He emphasised on the need to expand passenger amenities and upgrade arrangements at these stations.
Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar assured that all the points discussed in the meeting would be pursued with seriousness. Secretary Brijesh Kumar Sant and Additional Secretary Reena Joshi were among those present on the occasion.
