Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi on Thursday to discuss several key infrastructure and road development projects concerning the state.
During the meeting, CM Dhami pressed for the early reimbursement of ₹367.69 crore under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund and sought approval for the proposed Rishikesh bypass project.
He also requested that the road from Biharigarh to Roshanabad and the Kathgodam–Pancheshwar route be notified as National Highways. Additionally, he urged the Centre to approve an elevated road over the Bindal and Rispana rivers as a loop of NH-07.
Highlighting regional development priorities, the Chief Minister pushed for funding to upgrade 20 roads covering a distance of 508 km under the Manaskhand project, which connects mythological temples. He also sought reimbursement for additional costs incurred due to the realignment of NH-109.
Furthermore, Dhami appealed for financial approval of ₹110 crore for the Metro corridor and the proposed elevated road along NH-07. Expressing optimism, he said he was thankful for the "positive assurance for all the projects" given by the Union Minister.
Earlier in the day, CM Dhami also held a meeting with Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav. In that discussion, he emphasized the urgent need for environmental clearances and land transfer for major projects like the 120 MV Sirkari Bhyol Rupasiyabagh Hydroelectric Project on the Gauriganga River, which he called "vital for the state's energy needs and development."
The Chief Minister also sought approval from the National Wildlife Board (NBWL) for a proposed ropeway between Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh and Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, along with support for reviving Chaurasi Kutiya, popularly known as the Beatles Ashram—a site of cultural and tourism importance.
To address the state’s persistent forest fire problem, CM Dhami requested special financial assistance of ₹404 crore under the CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) scheme. He emphasized the dual objectives of environmental protection and infrastructure growth, stating that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, "the state government is balancing ecological conservation with economic development."
He added that these combined efforts "would not only enhance infrastructure but also provide much-needed relief to the common people."