The Public Works Department (PWD) in Uttarakhand has greenlit a massive infrastructure initiative aimed at fortifying the state's crucial bridge network. With a planned expenditure of Rs 1,640 crore, the department will enhance the load-bearing capacity of 235 bridges spread across nine districts, addressing both civilian growth and strategic defense needs.
Strategic Imperative Behind the Mega Upgrade
PWD Secretary Pankaj Pandey explained the dual drivers for this significant investment. The first is the tremendous surge in tourism, particularly on the Char Dham pilgrimage route, which has seen footfall of around 50 lakh pilgrims this year alone. Combined with increased local movement, this has put aging infrastructure, much of it 20 to 40 years old, under strain.
The second, and equally critical, factor is the state's strategic Himalayan location, sharing international borders with China and Nepal. This necessitates robust infrastructure capable of supporting heavy defense logistics. "It is important to increase the load-bearing capacity of the identified bridges," Pandey stated, highlighting the project's role in ensuring defense and logistics readiness.
Project Details: From Class B to Class A Standards
The project, scheduled to commence in July 2026, will be funded with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank. It involves a comprehensive upgrade of bridges on 103 state highways. Out of 585 bridges, 407 have spans of 10 metres or more, and of these, only 111 currently meet Class A loading standards.
A key focus is retrofitting many Class B bridges in remote border areas to Class A standards. While Class B bridges can handle approximately 55 tonnes, the upgrade to Class A will enable them to bear loads of over 70 tonnes. This is specifically targeted at facilitating the movement of Army tanks, heavy trucks, and equipment to Indo-China border posts. Officials noted that while local village traffic is light, the upgrade is essential for heavy defense vehicles.
Broader Scope: Landslide Treatment and Widening
Beyond strengthening bridges, the project has a broader scope. It will also include landslide treatment on seven key routes, enhancing overall road safety and reliability in the mountainous terrain. A secondary focus will be on widening single-lane bridges to 1.5- or 2-lane configurations, easing traffic bottlenecks.
The upgrades will ensure all work complies with the latest specifications from the Indian Road Congress and Indian Standards, focusing on structural resilience. This large-scale plan underscores Uttarakhand's commitment to building future-ready infrastructure that supports its economic aspirations in tourism and ensures unwavering national security along its sensitive borders.
