Major Road And Infrastructure Boost For Uttarakhand After CM Dhami’s Meeting With Union Minister Nitin Gadkari
State Government will handle land acquisition and forest land transfer, while Central Government will fund project—conditional upon SGST and royalty exemptions from the state
In a significant development for Uttarakhand’s road and infrastructure sector, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi and secured approvals and assurances on a series of critical projects aimed at improving regional connectivity, tourism infrastructure, and economic growth in the state.
During the meeting, CM Dhami emphasized the surge in traffic and tourist inflow—particularly during the Chardham Yatra—and stressed the urgent need for upgrading road infrastructure, increasing traffic carrying capacity, and ensuring timely approvals for high-priority state projects. Responding positively, Union Minister Gadkari assured full cooperation and announced several key decisions.
A major highlight of the meeting was the Centre’s agreement to reimburse pending dues to Uttarakhand under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) on an annual basis. Additionally, a landmark decision was taken on the ₹6164 crore elevated road project along Bindal and Rispana rivers, as part of National Highway No. 07. The State Government will handle land acquisition and forest land transfer, while the Central Government will fund the project—conditional upon SGST and royalty exemptions from the state.
Another crucial decision involved the ₹183 crore additional expenditure for the revised alignment of NH-109 (Old NH-87), necessitated by the expansion of Pantnagar Airport. The Centre will bear the cost if the State waives SGST.
Several new projects were also greenlit:
- Construction of the Khatima Ring Road through the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
- Widening of NH-507 (Barwala–Katapathar–Juddo–Lakhwar Band section).
- Widening of NH-534 (Dugdda–Gumkhal section).
Progress was also made on the long-pending Rishikesh Bypass (Nepali Farm to Dhalwala). The Union Minister directed the state to complete forest land transfer formalities within three months for this ₹1546 crore project, following which a final decision will be taken.
In a boost for religious tourism, the tender process for the Kedarnath Ropeway, to be executed by National Highways and Logistics Management Limited, will be finalized after consultations with CM Dhami and Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways.
The meeting was attended by Union MoS Ajay Tamta, MoRTH Secretary V. Umashankar, NHAI Member (Admin) Vishal Chauhan, and top Uttarakhand officials including Principal Secretary R.K. Sudhanshu, R. Meenakshi Sundaram, and Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pandey.
These developments mark a substantial leap forward for infrastructure growth in Uttarakhand, laying the foundation for improved accessibility, economic advancement, and enhanced tourist experiences.
