Ahead of Char Dham Yatra 2026, Uttarakhand PWD Secretary Dr. Pankaj Kumar Pandey inspected Uttarkashi-Gangotri NH-34 and directed officials to complete road repairs, bridge construction and safety works before April 15.
Dehradun/Uttarkashi:
In preparation for the upcoming Char Dham Yatra, PWD Secretary Dr. Pankaj Kumar Pandey conducted a detailed field inspection of ongoing construction and restoration works along the Uttarkashi–Bhatwari–Harsil–Gangotri stretch of National Highway-34 on Friday, following directions issued by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
During the inspection, the PWD Secretary directed officials of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and concerned departments to ensure that National Highway-34 is fully repaired and made safe for pilgrims by April 15, 2026, ahead of the commencement of the Char Dham Yatra.
He instructed officials to immediately remove debris from the yatra route, undertake necessary cutting in vulnerable and landslide-prone zones to increase road width, and carry out hot mix surfacing to improve road quality and driving conditions.
Instructions to Expedite Swadi-Gad Steel Bridge Construction
Dr. Pandey also reviewed the progress of the 85-metre span steel bridge under construction at Swadi-Gad. He directed officials to accelerate work and complete the launching of the steel girder bridge, construction of the deck slab, and development of the approach road before the pilgrimage begins.
He reiterated that, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the State Government is committed to completing all Char Dham–related infrastructure works on priority and within stipulated timelines.
Inspection of Pedestrian Route and Disaster-Affected Areas
The PWD Secretary inspected the pedestrian route and footbridge between Mukhwa and Dharali. Expressing dissatisfaction, he noted that repair work on the pedestrian bridge damaged during a severe natural disaster in Dharali had not yet commenced. He also raised concern over delays in starting reconstruction work at two damaged locations on the National Highway between Dharali and Harsil.
He warned that strict action would be taken against concerned officials if the works are not completed within the prescribed timeframe.
Assurance of Improved Road Quality Before Yatra
BRO and departmental officials informed that hot mix work would be completed at identified locations before the start of the Char Dham Yatra to ensure improved riding quality and safe movement of pilgrims.
Engineers Ranjeet Singh, Vijay Kumar, Naveen Lal, Kailash Chandra Nautiyal, Major Santosh Kumar, along with other departmental and BRO officials, were present during the inspection.
