Haridwar, July 22 -- Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday laid the foundation stones and performed the bhoomi pujan for four major infrastructure projects worth around Rs.235 crore under the Haridwar-Rishikesh Ganga Corridor, in a move aimed at transforming Haridwar into a modern, safe and well-organised spiritual city ahead of the Mahakumbh-2027. The projects, being executed by the Uttarakhand Investment and Infrastructure Development Board (UIIDB), are expected to strengthen infrastructure and crowd-management arrangements for the Mahakumbh and the annual Kanwar Yatra while providing improved facilities to pilgrims, tourists and local residents. The government also expects the projects to give a boost to tourism, trade, transport, hospitality, handicrafts and other local economic activities. At a function held in Haridwar, Dhami performed the bhoomi pujan for the Rs.43.25-crore Administrative Route Corridor Development Project. He also laid the foundation stones for the Rs.66.76-crore Har Ki Pauri and Subhash Ghat rejuvenation project, the Rs.66.34-crore infrastructure development project in the northern area of Har Ki Pauri and the Rs.58.84-crore redevelopment of the Rodi Belwala area. Dhami said the projects were part of a "comprehensive vision to develop Haridwar as a world-class spiritual and cultural city". He said the government was committed to completing projects within stipulated timelines and maintaining quality. "Our work culture is not limited to laying foundation stones. Our priority is to complete projects in a time-bound, high-quality and transparent manner and dedicate them to the public," he said, directing officials to ensure that there was no compromise on quality. The CM said the government was working on several ambitious projects aimed at preserving Uttarakhand's cultural heritage while creating modern infrastructure and employment opportunities. These included the Haridwar-Rishikesh Ganga Corridor, Kedarkhand Temple Mala Mission, Manaskhand Temple Mala Mission, Sharda Corridor, Goljyu Corridor and Vivekananda Corridor. He said these projects was not merely meant for the beautification of religious sites but also to provide modern facilities to pilgrims and create employment and self-employment opportunities for local youth. Dhami said Haridwar was a "centre of faith for millions and a symbol of India's cultural heritage and spiritual traditions". He said the government was working on a "war footing" to make the Mahakumbh-2027 a safe and well-organised event. He said as part of the preparations, work is progressing on new ghats and bridges, widening and strengthening of important roads and modernisation of traffic-management systems. Projects include widening the road from Bahadrabad-SIDCUL to Shivalik Nagar, construction of a new bridge over the Roh river between Jwalapur and Shivalik Nagar, and widening and strengthening the road connecting Patanjali Yogpeeth with Pherupur. The CM said Haridwar is being developed not only as a centre of faith but also as a city with improved education, healthcare, tourism, modern infrastructure and employment opportunities. He said construction of the Haridwar Medical College was in its final stages, while a Model Degree College in Laldhang and a health centre in Shyampur would improve educational and healthcare facilities for local residents. To improve connectivity for pilgrims, work is progressing on a heliport, a pod taxi and ropeway projects connecting Har Ki Pauri with the shrines of Maa Chandi Devi and Maa Mansa Devi. Other projects include bridges and suspension bridges in the Laldhang area, a game zone beneath Shankaracharya flyover, and parking facilities, parks and commercial complexes under Motichur flyover. Dhami also directed officials to complete all arrangements well in advance for the safe, organised and successful conduct of the Kanwar Yatra, which begins on July 30, stressing that the safety and convenience of pilgrims must remain the state government's top priority. Reviewing preparations for the Kanwar Mela at the Mela Control Building auditorium in Haridwar, Dhami said all departments must ensure there were no lapses and work with sensitivity, coordination and a spirit of service. He set the goal of a "Safe Kanwar, Organised Kanwar and Clean Kanwar", saying every pilgrim should return from Uttarakhand with a safe,and pleasant experience....