Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital, where the two leaders discussed a wide range of development initiatives and infrastructure projects in the state.
During the meeting, Dhami expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the Centre’s continued support and guidance, noting that Uttarakhand is achieving new milestones in development with central assistance.
Invitation to PM, Push for Major Project Launches
CM Office (CMO) Uttarakhand said that Dhami invited PM Modi to visit Uttarakhand and proposed the inauguration and foundation stone laying of several key projects. These include the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway and the Tehri Pumped Storage Plant, along with proposed projects such as the expansion of Pantnagar Airport and the Banbasa Land Port.
Dhami also thanked the Centre for financial and policy support, including ₹500 crore assistance for Kumbh 2027 in Haridwar, and approvals for projects like underground power cabling in Rishikesh, the Champawat Bypass, Dehradun Ring Road, and the Dehradun-Mussoorie road.
Focus on Tourism, Connectivity and Local Economy
Highlighting the state’s development vision, the Chief Minister said efforts are underway to promote Uttarakhand as a global wedding destination, with locations such as Rishikesh, Dehradun, Ramnagar, and Triyuginarayan gaining popularity.
He also shared plans to develop Spiritual Economic Zones in regions like Bel Kedar, Anjanisain-Tihri, and Lohaghat-Shyamlatlal.
Tourism initiatives, including the expansion of the Adi Kailash Yatra, have seen significant growth, with the number of pilgrims rising sharply in recent years. Adventure tourism activities such as river rafting, paragliding, and kayaking are also being actively promoted.
Under the “Vocal for Local” initiative, local products are being marketed nationally and internationally through the House of Himalayas brand to boost employment and the rural economy.
Requests for Enhanced Connectivity and Industrial Support
Dhami sought the Centre’s support for expanding transport and infrastructure networks, including extension of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) from Meerut to Haridwar and Rishikesh; early completion of the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project; construction of new rail links such as Rishikesh-Uttarkashi and Bageshwar-Karnaprayag; and doubling of the Haridwar–Dehradun railway line.
He also proposed the development of a defence manufacturing hub in Uttarakhand and requested policy support to establish defence equipment production units in Kotdwar, Haridwar, and Dehradun.
Additional proposals included the Delhi-Haldwani Expressway, expansion of the Chinyalisaur airstrip, construction of a bridge in the Raivala area, and the launch of seaplane services in Tehri Lake.
Gifts and Greetings on Ram Navami
Dhami also extended his greetings to the Prime Minister on the occasion of Ram Navami and presented traditional gifts, including a replica of Maa Surkanda Devi, ghee made from Badri cow milk, and locally sourced rajma and honey from the state.
