- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Mon, 03 Nov 2025 12:09 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has decided to reduce the proposed width of the Gangotri Highway widening project from 12 metres to 11 metres, in the wake of the Dharali disaster. The move aims to limit hill cutting and reduce the risk of creating new landslide-prone zones.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) confirmed that the strategic Uttarkashi-Bhaironghati stretch, crucial for both national security and the Char Dham Yatra, will undergo revised planning. The project covers nearly 90 km, beginning from near the Chungi Badethi open tunnel in Uttarkashi and extending to Bhaironghati, and will now be re-evaluated across five phases.
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BRO Commander Rajkishore said the decision was taken during a meeting attended by senior officials, including the Road Transport Secretary and the BRO Director General. He added that the revised approach may lead to changes in alignment and the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
To ensure slope stability and reduce environmental impact, officials plan to minimise hill cutting and construct a retaining wall along the riverside wherever necessary. The review includes sections such as Bhaironghati-Jhala, the Char Heena-Tekhla bypass, and the Tekhla-Chungi Badethi tunnel stretch.
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Work on the revised plans is expected to advance after technical assessments are completed.