"With coordinated governance and sustained investment, Uttarakhand is charting a new trajectory of growth—combining infrastructure expansion with tourism, connectivity, and inclusive development."
Dehradun: Uttarakhand has witnessed an unprecedented surge in infrastructure and development activity over the past four years, powered by the synergy between the Centre and the state under the “double-engine government” model. Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the hill state is currently executing projects worth over ₹2 lakh crore.
From roadways to railways and air connectivity to tourism, multiple sectors have seen transformative growth. The ambitious all-weather road project for the Char Dham pilgrimage is advancing rapidly, while the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway has significantly enhanced regional connectivity. Key road projects, including Sitarganj–Tanakpur, Paonta Sahib–Dehradun, Bhaniyawala–Rishikesh, Kathgodam–Lalkuan–Haldwani bypass, and Rudrapur bypass, are progressing in various phases.
Rail infrastructure is also expanding, with the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag rail line nearing completion. Additionally, the Centre has approved the ₹48,000 crore Tanakpur–Bageshwar rail project. Eleven railway stations are being upgraded under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
Air Connectivity Expands Rapidly
Air connectivity in the state has seen a remarkable boost. Expansion of Jolly Grant, Pantnagar, and Pithoragarh airports has been completed. Under the UDAN scheme, 18 heliports are being developed, with air services already operational at 12 locations, including Gauchar, Srinagar, Chinyalisaur, Haldwani, Munsyari, and Nainital. The number of heliports has increased significantly, along with a sharp rise in helipads from 60 in 2021–22 to 118 now.
Ropeway Network to Transform Mobility
Under the Parvatmala project, ropeway development is underway across key tourist and धार्मिक locations. Projects such as Ranibagh–Nainital, Panchkoti–New Tehri, Khaliyatop–Munsyari, Har Ki Pauri–Chandi Devi Temple, Rishikesh–Neelkanth Mahadev, and Auli–Gorson are in progress. Upcoming ropeways connecting Gaurikund to Kedarnath and Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib are expected to further ease access to pilgrimage sites.
Tourism and Religious Revival
Major redevelopment works are underway at Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham, while the Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission is revitalizing temples in the Kumaon region. Plans for an international rafting platform in Rishikesh aim to boost tourism and generate employment.
Key Infrastructure and Welfare Projects
Several long-pending projects, including the Jamrani, Song, and Lakhwar dams, are now under execution, strengthening water supply and irrigation. A satellite AIIMS centre is coming up in Kichha, while AIIMS Rishikesh has launched the country’s first helicopter ambulance service.
Further, 226 schools are being upgraded as PM SHRI institutions, and a smart industrial township is being developed in Udham Singh Nagar. Border areas are also receiving a push under the Vibrant Village Programme, ensuring improved infrastructure and connectivity.
Dr. Shikha Mishra
