Uttarakhand CM Dhami meets PM Modi, discusses development and key projects | India News
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), during the meeting, the Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for the continuous support and guidance provided by the Central Government for the development of Uttarakhand.CM Dhami noted that the state is achieving new growth milestones with this assistance. He also invited the Prime Minister to visit Uttarakhand.On this occasion, the Chief Minister presented Shaktipeeth Maa Surkanda Devi replica, Badri cow ghee, five types of rajmas from different districts of the state and honey.The Chief Minister thanked the Prime Minister for approving assistance of Rs 500 crore for Haridwar Kumbh-2027, initiating a feasibility study under river-linkage project by National Water Development Corporation, sanctioning Rs 100 crore for development of Chaurasi Kutia in Rajaji National Park, signing a MoU for safe air services at Naini-Saini-Sainigar during Chardham Yatra.He expressed appreciation for sanctioning important infrastructure projects like undergrounding of electric lines in Rishikesh, Champawat Bypass, Dehradun Ring Road and Dehradun-Mussoorie Road.According to the CMO, during the meeting, the chief minister provided details of the steps taken by the state government based on the suggestions of the prime minister during his visit to Uttarakhand. He highlighted that efforts are underway to make Uttarakhand a global wedding destination, with Chopta, Duggalbitta, Patwadangarh and Sharda corridors being developed, while Ramnagar, Dehradun, Rishikesh and Triuginarayan have already gained popularity. A dedicated wedding destination policy is also being formulated.He also informed that areas like Bel Kedar, Anjanisain-Tehri and Lohaghat-Shyamaltal have been designated as spiritual economic zones. The number of devotees increased significantly with the introduction of winter pilgrimage.The number of pilgrims visiting Adi Kailash increased from 1,761 in 2022 to 36,453 in 2025, supported by the introduction of helicopter services. The state is also promoting adventure tourism activities like river rafting, paragliding and kayaking. Under the “Vocal for Local” initiative, local products are being promoted globally through the House of Himalaya brand.The Chief Minister also apprised the Prime Minister about initiatives like “One District One Fair,” Cluster School Scheme, Bharat Darshan and Uttarakhand Darshan programs aimed at boosting education, tourism, rural economy and self-employment. CM Dhami requested the extension of regional rapid transit system from Meerut to Rishi to Haridwar. He sought policy support for establishing defense equipment manufacturing units in the state citing Uttarakhand’s strategic location, skilled manpower and industrial infrastructure.According to the CMO, it was proposed to set up defense industrial hubs at Kotdwar, Haridwar and Dehradun, along with the development of a BI-Dak bridge at Raiwala and the expansion of Chinalisaur airstrip at Uttarkashi. The Chief Minister proposed to launch sea-plane service to Tehri, which requested the Delhi lake link and construction of express-way. While strengthening logistics for Kashipur, Rudrapur Industrial Area, Pantnagar Airport, and Jim Corbett National Park, hilly areas. Emphasizing rail connectivity, he called for early inauguration of Rishikesh-Bayasi section under Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail project, construction of rail line survey-cum-rail tunnel at Tanpur. Bageshwar-Karnprayag railway line, and doubling of Haridwar-Dehradun rail track. He also proposed a new Rishikesh-Uttarakashi railway line to improve connectivity with the Gangotri and Yamunotri and strengthen the supply chain of local products. The Chief Minister invited the Prime Minister to Uttarakhand for the inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony of key projects Proposed inaugurations include the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway and the Tehri Pumped Storage Plant, while the Pantnagar Airport expansion and the foundation stone laying of the Banbasa Land Port project are planned. CM Dhami noted that the Banbasa land port, located on the Indo-Nepal border, will enhance trade, connectivity, and regional cooperation and strengthen through high international connectivity.The Chief Minister also highlighted several key reforms and initiatives in the state. Over 6,000 homestays have been registered under the homestay scheme and the country’s first free marketing portal “Uttarastase” has been launched. Center of Excellence for apple, cherry, plum and pear cultivation has been established at Chowbatia, Almora with farmer training programme. Under the Vibrant Village Programme, selected border villages are being developed by promoting local culture, cuisine and handicrafts.He described the “Chief Minister Solar Self-Employment Scheme” as a game-changer for rural livelihoods, providing employment through solar energy projects. Thousands of entrepreneurs have received incubation assistance under “Chief Minister Entrepreneurship Scheme”. “Devbhoomi Parivar Scheme” is developing a unified digital database of households to ensure transparent delivery of government schemes. Additionally, the state has implemented the “Firefighter Reservation Rule-2025”, which provides 10% reservation in state services to ex-firefighters. Processes have been simplified by amending various laws and repealing over 500 old regulations through the “Uttarakhand Jan Biswas Bill-2026”. The Chief Minister emphasized that major reforms have been undertaken in the industries, labour, mining, revenue and urban development sectors for ease of doing business in the state.
