Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Saturday met former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and former Union Minister Major General (Retd.) B. C. Khanduri at his residence in Dehradun and enquired about his health. The unscheduled meeting reflected the warm personal rapport and long-standing association between the two leaders, rooted in decades of public service.
Major General (Retd.) Khanduri, a decorated Indian Army officer, served the nation with distinction for over three decades and was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) for his exceptional service. After his retirement from the armed forces, he entered public life and went on to play a key role in the political and developmental journey of Uttarakhand. He served twice as Chief Minister of the state and also held important portfolios in the Union Government, including as Minister of State (Independent Charge) and later as Cabinet Minister for Surface Transport and Highways during the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
During his ministerial tenure, Major General Khanduri was instrumental in advancing landmark infrastructure initiatives such as the Golden Quadrilateral and the National Highways Development Programme, which significantly enhanced India’s road connectivity and transportation network.
Recalling their association as Members of Parliament, V-P Radhakrishnan shared memories of working closely with Major General Khanduri in the Lok Sabha. He recalled approaching him, in his capacity as Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, with a request to convert key state highways in Tamil Nadu into national highways – an initiative that received prompt approval.
The Vice-President noted that the improved road connectivity resulting from these decisions contributed substantially to the emergence of the Coimbatore region as a major industrial hub and supported broader regional development. He expressed his gratitude to Major General Khanduri for his vision and support, acknowledging the lasting impact of his contributions to national infrastructure and development.
