By OUR STAFF REPORTER
New Delhi/Dehradun, 10 Apr: In what is good news for the residents of Srinagar (Garhwal), the construction of an elevated road from Paanch Peepal onwards is set to begin soon. In a high-level meeting chaired by Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, in New Delhi, this ambitious project received its final approval. The project holds great significance not only for easing traffic congestion in the city but also from a tourism and strategic perspective.
This development marks the success of yet another initiative by State Cabinet Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat, who strongly advocated for the elevated road project during the meeting. Dr Rawat shared that various technical and strategic aspects of the project were thoroughly discussed during the session. As a result, the Union Minister gave the green signal for the construction and directed departmental officials to select the best possible construction approach and begin work following the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR).
Dr Rawat reported that the 7.5-kilometre-long elevated road will be constructed along the banks of the Alaknanda River from Paanch Peepal. The elevated road will be linked to the Srinagar railway station and the main city market, while also providing connectivity to important institutions such as NIT Srinagar, SSB Training Centre, Garhwal University, and the Government ITI. Once completed, the elevated road will significantly reduce traffic congestion within Srinagar and also ease movement for Char Dham pilgrims, particularly during peak season.
He emphasised that the elevated corridor would also play a vital role from both tourism and strategic perspectives. Dr Rawat expressed his gratitude to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for approving the project and extended an invitation to him to visit the Siddhpeeth Maa Dhari Devi Temple and undertake the Char Dham Yatra, which the Union Minister accepted.
