Dehradun, February 12: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has greenlit significant funding to enhance infrastructure at two of the state’s most revered pilgrimage sites. In a move to bolster accessibility for devotees, he approved Rs 1.74 crore for expanding the permanent heliport platform and improving the approach road at Badrinath Dham, managed by UKADA in the Joshimath development block of the Badrinath assembly constituency.
Additionally, Rs 39.40 lakh has been sanctioned for protective works at the heliport near GMVN in Kedarnath Dham. These upgrades are crucial as the regions see surging pilgrim footfall each year, especially during the Char Dham Yatra season.
Looking ahead to the Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra-2026, CM Dhami has approved multiple parking and rest house projects across various development blocks. In Tharali block, Rs 71.67 lakh will fund parking for 8 four-wheelers and a rest house at Shaheed Bhavani Dutt Inter College campus in Chaupdiyon. In Deval block, Rs 1.14 crore is allocated for parking accommodating 63 four-wheelers and 9 two-wheelers, plus two rooms, a rest house, and toilets at Janta Inter College, Sarkot.
Further approvals include Rs 42.39 lakh for surface parking for 37 four-wheelers and 48 two-wheelers in Naoti under Karnaprayag block; Rs 79.56 lakh for 94 four-wheeler parking in Magoti, Narayan Bagad block; Rs 64.23 lakh for 43 four-wheeler parking in Kansua, Karnaprayag; and Rs 5.51 lakh for temporary parking for 89 four-wheelers near Rajkiya Polytechnic, Kulsari in Tharali along the Tharali-Gwaldam motor road.
For Nanda Nagar block, funds include Rs 33.65 lakh for permanent surface parking (30 cars) in Kanole village, Rs 18.30 lakh for temporary parking (13 cars) in Aala village, and Rs 31.03 lakh for permanent parking (28 cars) in Ramni village. These initiatives aim to manage the massive influx of yatris smoothly.
Educational infrastructure also receives attention. At Rajkiya Ashram Paddhati UMA Vidyalaya Bidaura, Rs 83.99 lakh for boundary wall, Rs 33.75 lakh for hostel repairs, Rs 28.20 lakh for residential building maintenance, and Rs 24.21 lakh for teaching building repairs have been approved. In Khatima, Rs 15.39 lakh and Rs 17.30 lakh for repairs at girls’ ashram schools.
In a tribute to history, CM Dhami named the Nodkhal-Malakot motor road (rural) in Yamkeshwar block of Pauri Garhwal district after freedom fighter Mahitab Singh, honoring his sacrifices in India’s independence struggle.
These developments underscore Uttarakhand’s commitment to pilgrimage tourism, education, and heritage preservation, ensuring safer and more efficient travel for millions.