Dehradun, June 19
On Friday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met with a delegation led by Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar at the Chief Minister’s residence. The meeting focused on expanding railway infrastructure in Uttarakhand, ongoing rail projects, and future requirements.
The Chief Minister emphasized that stronger railway connectivity will accelerate the state’s overall development, tourism, pilgrimage, investment, and local economy. He highlighted the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag rail project as a flagship and strategically vital initiative, urging its completion within the stipulated timeframe. He noted that the project will make travel to the Char Dham shrines, especially Badrinath and Kedarnath, more convenient, safe, and modern.
Detailed discussions were also held on the Tanakpur–Bageshwar rail project, with the Railway Board Chairman informing that the survey and DPR have been completed. The Chief Minister expressed hope for tangible progress by November 2026. He further stressed advancing the Karnaprayag–Bageshwar and Kichha–Khatima rail lines, citing their importance for balanced regional development.
Dhami underscored the need to modernize major railway stations—Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Roorkee in Garhwal, and Haldwani, Kathgodam, Ramnagar, Tanakpur in Kumaon—as they serve as key gateways to the state. He called for enhanced passenger amenities and modern facilities, especially ahead of the upcoming Kumbh and Kanwar fairs, to manage the surge in pilgrims at Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Roorkee stations.
Dhami also pressed for effective action on doubling the Haridwar–Dehradun rail line, stressing that railway expansion and modernization will create new opportunities for investment, trade, tourism, and employment, thereby strengthening Uttarakhand’s economy in the long run.
Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar assured that all points discussed in the meeting will be pursued with full seriousness.
