Uttarakhand News: Will Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail project be completed soon? Will Tanakpur-Bageshwar rail line get new momentum? Has the way for Haridwar-Dehradun double line been cleared? Are major railway stations of Uttarakhand going to become hi-tech? Many important projects were discussed in the meeting of Chief Minister Dhami and Railway Board.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met the delegation led by Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar at the Chief Minister’s residence on Friday. In the meeting, strengthening of railway connectivity of the state, progress of ongoing railway projects and future requirements were discussed in detail. The Chief Minister said that the expansion of railway network in Uttarakhand will play an important role in the development of the state, tourism, pilgrimage, investment and in giving a new direction to the local economy.
Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Project: Emphasis on timely completion
During the meeting, Chief Minister Dhami described the Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail project as one of the most important and strategic projects of the state. He urged the officials to work expeditiously to complete the project within the stipulated time frame. He said that with the opening of this railway line, the devotees coming for Chardham Yatra, especially the pilgrims going to Badrinath and Kedarnath Dham, will get modern, safe and easy transport facility.
Tanakpur-Bageshwar Rail Project: DPR ready, progress should be seen soon
The current status of Tanakpur-Bageshwar railway project was also discussed in the meeting. Railway Board Chairman informed that the survey and detailed project report (DPR) of the project have been prepared. The Chief Minister expressed hope that the project would see significant progress by November 2026. He said that this project is very important for regional development and better connectivity system.
Emphasis also on Karnaprayag-Bageshwar and Kichha-Khatima Rail Line
The Chief Minister also described the Karnaprayag-Bageshwar Rail Line and Kichha-Khatima Rail Line projects as essential for the balanced development of the state. He urged the railway authorities to take necessary steps to take these two projects forward. He said that with the completion of these projects, the connectivity of remote areas will be strengthened and the local people will be able to get better transport facilities.
Uttarakhand Railway Stations Modernization: Focus on modernization of major stations
Chief Minister Dhami said that in view of the increasing tourism and pilgrimage in the state, it is necessary to equip the railway stations with modern facilities. Describing Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh and Roorkee railway stations of Garhwal region and Haldwani, Kathgodam, Ramnagar and Tanakpur railway stations of Kumaon region as the major gateways of the state, he stressed on the expansion of passenger facilities here.
Preparation of special railway facilities for Kumbh Mela and Kanwar Yatra
Keeping in mind the upcoming Kumbh and Kanwar Mela, the Chief Minister expressed the need to develop special arrangements at Haridwar, Rishikesh and Roorkee railway stations. He said that lakhs of devotees reach Uttarakhand during these events. In such a situation, with the coordinated efforts of Railways and State Government, passengers can be provided a safe, convenient and better travel experience.
Haridwar-Dehradun Double Rail Line: Double line project also got priority
Doubling of Haridwar-Dehradun railway route i.e. double line project was also discussed in the meeting. The Chief Minister said that there is a need to take effective steps in this direction so that the increasing passenger pressure can be handled in a better way. He said that the expansion and modernization of the railway network will create new opportunities for investment, trade, tourism and employment in the state and will provide long-term strength to the economy of Uttarakhand.
Railway Board gave positive assurance
Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar assured the Chief Minister that all the issues discussed in the meeting will be seriously addressed and necessary steps will be taken to take the projects forward. Secretary Brijesh Kumar Sant and Additional Secretary Reena Joshi were also present in the meeting.