Mumbai, Oct. 29 -- Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inspected a bridge-tunnel project in Rudraprayag on Monday as traffic began moving on the route on a trial basis. The project is part of the Char Dham Road Project and is intended to reduce congestion in the town during the pilgrimage season.
The approximately 1.18 km route comprises a 200-metre bridge and a 900.3-metre tunnel built across the Alaknanda River. It connects the Kedarnath National Highway, NH-107, with the Badrinath National Highway, NH-07, and has been constructed at a cost of Rs. 1.56 bn.
Dhami said regular traffic would begin after the project's formal inauguration. Pilgrims travelling to Kedarnath and Badrinath would then be able to bypass Rudraprayag market, easing pressure on the town's roads and reducing traffic jams for residents and visitors during the Char Dham Yatra.
The chief minister said improved road connectivity and modern infrastructure would make the pilgrimage safer and more accessible. He also said the project could support local trade, tourism and employment by improving movement through the region.
During the inspection, Dhami reviewed slope protection and stabilisation work in landslide-affected areas along the Rudraprayag-Gaurikund National Highway. Officials said the work was aimed at reducing landslide risks and improving the safety of the travel route.
Dhami also visited the Sangam Library, established under the district administration's Donate a Book, Plant a Tree of Knowledge campaign. The library has received more than 2,500 books, including material for competitive examinations, general knowledge, literature and other subjects. Dhami contributed 150 books, while officials said the collection was helping students and young people preparing for examinations. The initiative seeks to strengthen libraries through public participation and develop them as centres for learning and knowledge enrichment.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.