my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 2 Apr: Tourism, Religious Affairs, Culture, Public Works, Irrigation, and Rural Construction Minister Satpal Maharaj has expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister, Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, and Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta for the Central Government’s approval of Rs 1105.79 crore for the construction of a 4-lane Rishikesh Bypass. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion in Uttarakhand and facilitate smoother travel for the Char Dham Yatra.
Satpal Maharaj stated that the proposed 12.67 km-long NH-7 bypass will start near Nepali Farm (Teenpani) and extend to Kharasrot. This development will significantly ease traffic congestion within Rishikesh city. He added that the project falls under National Highway-07, covering k.m. 529.750 to k.m. 542.420, passing through Bhattowala and Dhalwala up to the Kharasrot Bridge.
The total length of the proposed bypass is 12.670 k.m., which includes 4.876 k.m. of elevated structures, a 0.50 k.m. viaduct along with the main bridge, a 42-metre minor bridge, three underpasses (0.364 km), one rail overbridge (184 metres), one overpass (120 meters), one roundabout intersection, and one roundabout junction.
Maharaj described the approval of Rs 1109.79 crore by the Government of India as a major initiative. Rishikesh serves as the primary gateway to the Char Dham Yatra—Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri—and experiences heavy traffic from both national and regional transit. Due to the large number of tourists, pilgrims, and vehicles, the city frequently faces severe traffic congestion, leading to delays and road safety concerns.
He noted that traffic pressure increases significantly during the Char Dham Yatra season and the Kanwar Yatra. The proposed bypass will allow through traffic to bypass the city, reducing congestion within Rishikesh and improving overall traffic flow. It will also enhance connectivity to Tapovan and surrounding areas.
Maharaj further emphasised that the project will promote tourism and pilgrimage, improve road safety, and contribute significantly to the region’s socio-economic development. Additionally, it will create local employment opportunities and strengthen regional connectivity across the state.
About The Author
