CM Dhami meets PM Modi; seeks ₹3,500 cr for 2027 Mahakumbh, green light for rail, power and corridor projects

DAINIK NATION BUREAU/NEW DELHI

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on Thursday and discussed the state’s development priorities. During the meeting, CM Dhami sought the Centre’s support for strengthening infrastructure, boosting pilgrimage tourism, and advancing industrial initiatives in the state. He emphasized that Uttarakhand is committed to playing a leading role among hill states in achieving the national vision of “Developed India 2047.”

Dhami thanked the Centre for its “consistent hand‑holding” and presented Modi a replica of the Kartik Swami Temple, a coffee‑table book on the Adi Kailash Yatra and a hamper of Pahadi products—Kanar ghee, Purola red rice, basmati, black cumin, Gandhrayan and Jambu herbs, besides local honey. Applauding Modi for earning 27 international civilian honours, the CM said Uttarakhand was ready “to play an effective national role under your leadership”.

Made these requests

1. Haridwar, Rishikesh & Sharda corridors: Dhami urged that, on the lines of Kedarnath–Badrinath master plans, the Union ministries concerned be directed to push detailed plans—leveraging CSR funds—for the proposed Ganga riverfronts in Haridwar and Rishikesh and the Sharda corridor in Champawat.

2. Mahakumbh 2027: Citing the scale of the next Haridwar Kumbh, the CM sought ₹3,500 crore for bridge repairs, parking, power, water, sanitation and mobility infrastructure.

3. Nanda Raj Jat 2026: Flagging the month‑long Himalayan pilgrimage, he asked for ₹400 crore and invited Modi to attend the August‑2026 event. Eco‑friendly tracks, shelters and medical posts are necessary, he said.

4. Rail & RRTS links: Dhami pressed for inclusion of route‑making provisions in the Tanakpur–Bageshwar and Rishikesh–Uttarkashi rail surveys and extension of the Delhi–Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System up to Haridwar.

5. Nepa Farm semiconductor hub: He proposed that the 1,200‑acre industrial estate in Udham Singh Nagar be offered as a greenfield base to attract chipmakers.

6. Energy & power: The CM sought Cabinet approval for five hydel projects totalling 596 MW cleared by an inter‑ministerial panel, and sanction of a ₹1,015 crore RDSS plan to underground high‑ and low‑tension lines and automate supply in Haridwar and Rishikesh.

7. River‑linking: A special Central scheme was requested for the Pindar–Kosi inter‑link that would divert glacier water to rain‑fed rivers, benefitting 625 villages and towns across Bageshwar, Almora and Nainital.

8. Wildlife clearance: Rapid approval was sought from the NBWL for restoration of the Beatles‑era Chaurasi Kutiya as a global yoga heritage site.

PM’s assurance

Officials said Modi quizzed Dhami on the ongoing Char Dham and Adi Kailash pilgrimages, Jal Jeevan Mission progress and preparations for the National Games under way in the State. The Prime Minister, they added, “assured full Central backing” for Uttarakhand’s proposals and asked ministries to examine them on priority.

The Uttarakhand government believes the projects—together worth over ₹6,000 crore—will unlock tourism, logistics and manufacturing opportunities, reversing migration from the hills and positioning the State as a key contributor to the national GDP by 2047.