Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met a delegation led by Satish Kumar, Chairman of the Railway Board, at the Chief Minister’s residence on Friday. The meeting focused on expanding railway infrastructure in Uttarakhand, reviewing ongoing rail projects, and discussing future connectivity plans.
The Chief Minister said that a strong railway network would significantly boost tourism, pilgrimage, investment, and the local economy. He described the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Rail Project as one of the state’s most ambitious and strategically important projects and stressed the need to complete it within the stipulated timeline.
He noted that the project would provide pilgrims and tourists visiting the Char Dham circuit, particularly Badrinath Temple and Kedarnath Temple, with a safer, more modern, and convenient travel experience.
The progress of the Tanakpur–Bageshwar Rail Project was also reviewed. Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar informed the Chief Minister that the survey and Detailed Project Report (DPR) had already been completed. The Chief Minister expressed hope that substantial progress on the project would be achieved by November 2026.
He also urged expedited action on the proposed Karnaprayag–Bageshwar Rail Line and Kichha–Khatima Rail Line, describing them as crucial for balanced regional development.
Highlighting the increasing number of pilgrims and tourists visiting the state, the Chief Minister stressed the need to modernize railway stations. He called for enhanced passenger facilities and upgraded infrastructure at stations including Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Roorkee, Haldwani, Kathgodam, Ramnagar, and Tanakpur.
Considering the upcoming Kumbh Mela and Kanwar Yatra, he emphasized the need for additional facilities at railway stations in Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Roorkee to accommodate the growing number of passengers.
The Chief Minister also called for effective action toward the construction of a double-track railway line between Haridwar and Dehradun. He stated that railway expansion and modernization would create new opportunities for investment, trade, tourism, and employment, thereby strengthening Uttarakhand’s economy in the long term.
Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar assured that all key issues raised during the meeting would be addressed seriously and acted upon promptly.
The meeting was also attended by Secretary Brijesh Kumar Sant and Additional Secretary Reena Joshi.
