Garhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN, 15 Nov: The district administration has finally dedicated the newly-expanded and beautified Kuthal Gate and Sai Mandir junctions to the public, completing the work in just six months. The district officials claim that inspired by the Chief Minister, Doon’s major intersections now appear less like ordinary junctions and more like grand, safe showcases reflecting Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage. The beautification, widening, additional slip roads, and roundabouts at both locations have improved traffic flow and public safety while presenting the state’s traditional art and cultural identity in a distinctive hill-style design. The work, conceptualised, designed, and executed entirely by the district administration, was funded by Smart City Ltd.
In a formal ceremony, Minister in charge of Dehradun district, Subodh Uniyal, Cabinet Minister and local MLA Ganesh Joshi, and Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal inaugurated the beautification, slip road, and roundabout works at Kuthal Gate and Sai Mandir. With the administration’s efforts, both key junctions have been widened nearly twofold within six months, while also reflecting the state’s struggle for formation, rich culture, and folk traditions. Uniyal remarked that inspired by the CM, the main intersections of Dehradun now appear more like grand and secure showcases than mere crossings. The addition of new slip roads and roundabouts at these locations has ensured smoother traffic, enhanced public safety, and simultaneously provided glimpses of traditional folk culture. The beautification work was carried out at a cost of Rs 135 lakh at Kuthal Gate and Rs 85 lakhs at Sai Mandir.
Uniyal said that the widening and beautification at Kuthal Gate, Sai Mandir, and Dilaram Chowk, along with additional side roads, hill-style architectural themes, and newly built roundabouts for safe traffic management, have significantly improved both traffic convenience and road safety. He added that the district administration’s innovative initiative not only beautifies these intersections but also showcases the struggle for statehood and the cultural legacy of Uttarakhand. Artworks showcasing the state’s culture, folk traditions, heritage sites, and the memories of statehood activists have been placed at major crossings and pathways, offering tourists a meaningful introduction to Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage and helping them serve as ambassadors who promote tourism. He noted that the two additional motorable slip roads at both intersections will further ease traffic flow. He congratulated the District Magistrate and the team for their dedicated efforts to adorn the capital with traditional, historical, and aesthetic elements.
Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Ganesh Joshi stated that the transformation of the Kuthal Gate and Sai Mandir junctions is not merely a developmental project but also an effort to preserve the original cultural identity of Uttarakhand. The new look of these junctions reflects the state’s traditional architectural style and cultural richness. He said that the project will not only ease the movement of local residents but also enhance the area’s beauty and tourism prospects. He congratulated the district administration on the successful completion of the project.
District Magistrate Savin Bansal briefed the Ministers and the MP, stating that in the first phase, four major intersections have been widened and converted into roundabouts to ensure smooth traffic management. At Kuthal Gate and Sai Mandir junctions, an additional 10-metre-wide slip road has been constructed. To acquaint tourists arriving from Garhwal and Kumaon with the local heritage, the intersections have been designed in a traditional hill style and adorned with statues and symbols of eminent personalities and statehood activists.
For the first time in the district, smooth traffic management, public safety, and traditional cultural display have been integrated into a single initiative. The works at Kuthal Gate and Sai Mandir have been inaugurated, while the modernisation of Dilaram Chowk is nearing completion. With new slip roads, roundabouts, and aesthetic hill-style development at these intersections, the administration aims to improve both mobility and visual appeal. The beautification also offers tourists glimpses of Uttarakhand’s folk art, culture, statehood movement, and traditional history.
Those present at the event included District Magistrate Savin Bansal, Chief Development Officer Abhinav Shah, Superintendent of Police (City) Pramod Kumar, Additional CEO of Smart City Ltd Tirathpal Singh, City Magistrate Pratyush Singh, and officials of Smart City Ltd.
