Rudraprayag: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inspected the newly constructed bridge-tunnel route under the Chardham Mahamarg Pariyojana in Rudraprayag on Monday. Traffic movement on a trial basis has commenced from Monday on this project, built at a cost of approximately ₹156 crore. The Chief Minister stated that the formal inauguration of the project will take place soon.
With a 200-meter-long bridge constructed over the Alaknanda River, a 900.30-meter-long tunnel, and connecting pathways, the total length of this route is around 1.18 kilometers. This route will directly connect the Kedarnath National Highway to the Badrinath National Highway. Once regular traffic begins, pilgrims traveling to Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham will not need to pass through the Rudraprayag market. This is expected to reduce traffic pressure in the town and provide relief from jams for local residents and devotees.
The Chief Minister stated that making the Chardham Yatra smooth, safe, and well-managed is a priority of the state government. Better road connectivity and modern infrastructure will provide convenience to devotees, while also boosting local trade, tourism, and employment opportunities.
During the visit, the Chief Minister also gathered information about slope protection and stabilization works underway in landslide-affected areas on the Rudraprayag-Gaurikund National Highway. The objective of these works is to minimize landslide risks and make the travel route safer.
Over 2,500 Books Available in Sangam Library
Under the district administration’s campaign “Donate a Book, Plant a Tree of Knowledge,” the Chief Minister also inspected the Sangam Library and praised the initiative. Started at the initiative of District Magistrate Vishal Mishra, the campaign aims to foster reading habits among students, provide useful books for competitive exam preparation, and enrich libraries.
Under the campaign, the Sangam Library has received over 2,500 books so far, including books on competitive examinations, general knowledge, literature, and various other subjects. The Chief Minister also contributed by donating 150 books to the campaign.
The Chief Minister stated that books are a vital medium for acquiring knowledge and building personality. Campaigns like book donation are particularly useful for students who need study material to prepare for competitive exams. He said that the initiative to enrich libraries through public participation will promote a culture of reading and learning among the youth.
District Magistrate Vishal Mishra stated that the books received under the campaign are being made available to students and other readers, benefiting youth preparing for competitive exams. Cabinet Minister Bharat Singh Choudhary, along with public representatives and officials, was present on the occasion.
