Dehradun, July 1 -- Uttarakhand secured approvals and in-principle clearances for road infrastructure projects worth around Rs.7,000 crore during a high-level meeting chaired by Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi on Tuesday. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who attended the meeting, said the projects would strengthen road connectivity across the state, particularly in border regions, while boosting tourism, pilgrimage, disaster management and economic development. During the meeting, the chief minister stressed the need for a robust and modern road network, citing Uttarakhand's difficult geographical conditions, the strategic importance of its border areas, and the growing requirements of pilgrimage, tourism and disaster management. He urged the Union government to take an early and positive decision on the state's pending proposals. According to officials, projects worth around Rs.750 crore were approved under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for the financial year 2026-27. In addition, five major projects under the National Highways (Original) (NHO) scheme, with an estimated cost of around Rs.2,966 crore, also received approval. The approved projects include the appointment of a project management consultant (PMC) for the Srinagar bypass, four-laning of the Purkaji-Laksar-Haridwar route, finalisation of alignments for the Lohaghat and Pithoragarh bypasses, four-laning of the Majhola-Khatima stretch passing through densely populated areas, and strengthening of the Ramnagar-Ranikhet (Mohan) road. Dhami also requested the early release of pending reimbursement funds amounting to Rs.530.11 crore for the financial year 2025-26. With the Ardh Kumbh Mela scheduled to be held in Haridwar in 2027, the chief minister urged Gadkari to ensure the timely completion of the Haridwar bypass project, saying it would reduce traffic congestion and facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims and tourists during the mega religious gathering. He also sought expeditious execution of the Kotdwar bypass project to streamline regional traffic and provide relief to local residents from chronic congestion. Both proposals were approved during the meeting. Dhami also sought in-principle approval for projects worth around Rs.3,000 crore to connect several important routes with the National Highway network through spur roads. Gadkari responded positively to the proposal. Another proposal discussed during the meeting was a project worth around Rs.300 crore for the construction of a motorable road, including a tunnel, from Sikuda Bend in Almora to National Highway-309. The proposal received in-principle approval from the ministry. Highlighting Uttarakhand's record in disaster response and management, Dhami requested the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the preparation of detailed project reports for remedial works in landslide-prone areas through the Uttarakhand Landslide Mitigation Management Centre. He said the initiative would facilitate permanent and scientific treatment of vulnerable slopes across the state. The ministry approved the proposal.He also sought early approval of pending matters relating to the Border Roads Organisation, including the DPR for the Hina-Tekhla-Netala-Garampani section of the Rishikesh-Gangotri National Highway and the revised cost of sanction proposals for the Joshimath bypass road....