Centre approves road projects worth around Rs 7,000 crores for U’khand
Garhwal Post Bureau
New Delhi, 30 Jun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called on Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi today. Following this high level meeting, Uttarakhand has received in-principle approval for new road infrastructure projects worth around Rs 7,000 crores today. During the meeting, various key proposals relating to road connectivity and infrastructure development in the state were discussed in detail.
Emphasising upon Uttarakhand’s unique geographical conditions, the strategic importance of its border areas, the growing requirements of pilgrimage and tourism, and the need for robust disaster management infrastructure, Dhami stressed on the importance of developing a modern and resilient road network across the state. He urged the Union Government to take an early and positive decision on the state’s pending proposals.
During the meeting, approval was granted for projects worth around Rs 750 crores under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for the financial year 2026-27. In addition, five major projects under the National Highways Original (NHO) programme, with an estimated cumulative cost of nearly Rs 2,966 crores, also received approval. These include the Project Management Consultancy (PMC) for the Srinagar Bypass, four-laning of the Purkazi-Laksar-Haridwar road, alignment work for the Lohaghat and Pithoragarh bypasses, four-laning of the populated stretch between Majhola and Khatima, and strengthening of the Ramnagar-Ranikhet (Mohan) road. In addition, the CM also requested Gadkari for early release of the state’s pending reimbursement amounting to Rs 530.11 crores up to the financial year 2025-26.
Keeping in view the forthcoming Ardh Kumbh Mela in 2027, Dhami urged the Union Minister to ensure the timely completion of the Haridwar Bypass project, stating that it would significantly reduce traffic congestion and facilitate smooth movement of pilgrims and tourists. He also requested that work on the Kotdwar Bypass project be expedited to improve regional traffic management and provide relief to local residents from chronic traffic jams. Both proposals received positive approval during the meeting.
Dhami also sought in-principle approval for projects worth around Rs 3,000 crores to connect other roads with National Highways through spur links. The Union Minister responded positively to the proposal. Discussions were also held on a project worth around Rs 300 crores for the construction of a motor road, including a tunnel, connecting Sikura Bend near Almora with National Highway-309, for which in-principle approval was also accorded during the meeting.
Highlighting Uttarakhand’s effective disaster management initiatives, Dhami requested the Ministry to approve the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Uttarakhand Landslide Mitigation and Management Centre (ULMMC) for the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) aimed at undertaking scientific and permanent treatment of landslide-prone areas. The proposal was approved by the Ministry.
The CM also requested early clearance of the pending proposals related to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), particularly the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Hina-Tekhla-Netala-Garampani stretch of the Rishikesh-Gangotri National Highway and the revised Cost of Sanction (COS) proposals for the Joshimath Bypass.
Dhami further urged the Union Ministry to review and suitably amend the existing provisions relating to additional performance security in cases where bids are received at exceptionally low rates. He said the present system often affects the timely execution of road construction and slope stabilisation works in the hills and requires modification to ensure quality and adherence to project timelines.
Expressing confidence in the continued support of the Union Government under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the CM asserted that an early implementation of these projects would significantly strengthen Uttarakhand’s road connectivity and infrastructure. He stressed that the projects would accelerate the development of border regions, promote tourism and pilgrimage, enhance the state’s disaster management capabilities and provide fresh momentum to its economic growth.
During the meeting, Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways and Almora MP Ajay Tamta, PWD Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pandey, Road Transport Secretary Brijesh Kumar Sant, Resident Commissioner Ajay Mishra and other senior officials were among those present.
