Uttarakhand Accelerates Double-Laning Of Key Highways To Boost Connectivity; Traffic Congestion, Accidents To Reduce

The Uttarakhand government has announced that no national highway (NH) in the state will remain single-lane, with work on upgrading all 1,907 km of single-lane routes already underway. Out of the total 3,590 km of national highways in Uttarakhand, 1,209 km are currently double-lane and 474 km are four-lane.

According to Pankaj Pandey, Secretary of the Public Works Department, Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for several projects have been prepared, and construction has begun on many key routes. "No national highway in the state will remain single-lane anymore. Work has been expedited, and this will give new dimensions to tourism," he said.

ALSO READ: Putin To Visit India Next Week On PM Modi's Invitation; S-400 Air Defence System, Oil Trade And Trump's Tariffs On Agenda

Key Projects Underway

-NH-507 (Vikasnagar-Chakrata-Tyuni): Rs 47 crore project to convert the single-lane highway to double-lane, improving connectivity for Yamunaghati and Jaunsar-Bawar regions.

-NH-134 (Paligad-Damta-Kharsali-Jankichatti): Rs 297 crore upgrade for the route connecting Yamunotri Dham; conversion to two-lane with paved shoulders is in progress.

-NH-309 (Salondhar-Satpuli-Barkot-Buwakhal): DPR preparation underway for widening to double-lane.

-NH-07 (Lamedi-Narayanbagar-Karnaprayag): Double-lane work is ongoing towards Badrinath Dham to reduce travel time and streamline traffic.

Progress Highlights

-Tyuni-Chakrata-Mussoorie alignment is ready; double-laning plan in final stages.

-Mussoorie-Chamba-Tehri-Maletha project progressing rapidly.

-Dharasu-Barkot-Jankichatti route: double-laning from Dharasu to Silkyara is complete; Palighat-Jankichatti section work has started.

-Vikasnagar-Juddo-Lakhwar Dam route: DPR ready; work up to Damta-Barkot in progress.

-Kotdwar-Srinagar-Satpuli-Pauri: DPR for 37 km double-lane stretch ready; Dugadda-Gumkhal DPR sent to the ministry.

ALSO READ: Ghaziabad Roundabouts To Get Pollution-Reducing 'Greenland' Upgrade, Five Sites Selected For Phase One

Benefits for Travellers

-Increased capacity on pilgrimage and tourist routes

-Reduced congestion and accidents

-Better transport and tourism infrastructure

-Faster disaster management and safer vehicle movement

Officials noted risks from slope cutting, landslides, environmental clearance hurdles, high costs, and maintenance challenges.

The government aims to modernise all single-lane highways, ensuring safer and more efficient travel across Uttarakhand, while boosting tourism and regional connectivity.