In a significant move to boost connectivity and ease travel woes in Uttarakhand, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) has been tasked with preparing a detailed project report (DPR) for a new road. This alternate route will connect the popular tourist destinations of Bhimtal and Almora, aiming specifically to decongest the heavily trafficked stretch leading to the revered Kainchi Dham.
Focus on Easing Tourist and Commuter Congestion
The decision comes as frequent traffic jams on the road to Kainchi Dham, the ashram of Neem Karoli Baba, have become a major challenge for commuters and pilgrims on the Kumaon route. The update was shared by NHIDCL, a company under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, during a high-level review meeting. The meeting, chaired by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, was attended by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday.
Officials stated that the new road is envisioned as a crucial alternative to the existing corridor, promising smoother travel between the hill stations and reducing pressure on the Kainchi Dham route. This development is expected to significantly improve the travel experience for both tourists and local residents.
Silkyara Tunnel Deadline and Push for Raw Materials
In other key updates from the meeting, NHIDCL informed that the Silkyara tunnel (Silkyara Bend–Barkot tunnel) is now targeted for completion by March 2027. The project's progress was severely impacted after a portion of the tunnel collapsed in November 2023. The new deadline sets a clear timeline for this critical infrastructure piece.
During the review, Minister Gadkari urged the Uttarakhand government to facilitate the procurement of construction materials. He emphasized allowing the removal of dredging materials from state rivers for highway construction. Echoing this, NHAI officials suggested the state adopt an online system, similar to Haryana's, for granting quarrying permits. They stressed that easy access to raw materials is essential for the economic development of the region and for improving people's mobility.
Multiple Key Projects Discussed
The progress of the ambitious Chardham road project and the link to Mansarovar were also discussed in detail. All highway construction agencies were directed to expedite the completion of ongoing projects.
In an official release, the Uttarakhand government noted that CM Dhami raised several state-specific issues concerning national highways. He sought approvals for multiple proposals, including:
- The Rishikesh Bypass
- Almora-Danya-Panar-Ghat road
- Jyolikot-Khairna-Gairsain-Karnprayag road
- Almora-Bageshwar-Kanda-Udiyari Bend road
Among these, the proposed four-lane Rishikesh Bypass under NH-7 received specific attention. The 12.7 km bypass, with an estimated cost of Rs 1,161.3 crore, is planned from Teenpani via Yog Nagari to Kharasrot. Its design is sensitive to local ecology, featuring a 4.9 km elevated stretch to protect three elephant corridors. The project will also include a 200-meter-long bridge over the Chandrabhaga river and a 76-meter-long road over bridge at the railway portal.
The comprehensive review signals a strong push by both central and state authorities to accelerate highway infrastructure in Uttarakhand, addressing both congestion and connectivity for sustainable regional growth.
