Kashipur: In a simple yet significant event held in Kashipur on Wednesday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated a series of major transport infrastructure projects, including the newly constructed Assistant Divisional Transport Officer Office and Automated Driving Test Tracks in Kashipur, Rishikesh, and Haridwar, with a total investment of ₹1127.52 lakh.
The Chief Minister began the event by observing two minutes of silence in tribute to the victims of the recent terrorist attack on Hindu tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, condemning the incident as a cowardly act.
Among the inaugurated projects were:
Assistant Divisional Transport Officer Office, Kashipur – Built at a cost of ₹817.68 lakh by the Uttarakhand Agricultural Marketing Board.
Automated Driving Test Track, Rishikesh – Constructed for ₹233.86 lakh by the Uttarakhand Drinking Water Corporation.
Automated Driving Test Track, Haridwar – Developed with an investment of ₹75.98 lakh.
Additionally, CM Dhami announced the construction of the Jayatpur-Dhanouri road, with a sanctioned amount of ₹1013.95 lakh.
Speaking at the event, CM Dhami highlighted that these projects will bring greater transparency and efficiency in issuing driving licenses, enhance road safety, and improve public services. He also flagged off water coolers and free ambulances for Kashipur wards under CSR initiatives.
CM Dhami emphasized the state government’s commitment to reducing road accident fatalities by 2030 and strengthening road and transport systems across urban and rural areas. He mentioned ongoing efforts such as:
Introduction of automated driving tests through mobile-based software (HAMS) developed in collaboration with Microsoft.
Construction of automated tracks in 11 districts.
Establishment of high-level driver training institutes in Haldwani and Dehradun.
Approval for private sector automated fitness testing stations at seven locations in Uttarakhand.
He thanked Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. for their CSR contributions to building these tracks.
Reflecting on rising road accidents due to speeding and negligence, particularly among youth, CM Dhami appealed to parents to encourage safe driving habits. He revealed that in 2024 alone, 1,090 lives were lost in road mishaps—70% due to overspeeding or negligence.
CM Dhami also spoke about broader development plans in Kashipur, including:
Infrastructure works worth ₹1950 crore for roads, sewerage, drinking water, and STPs.
Establishment of an Industrial Hub (₹1100 crore) and Aroma Park (₹100 crore).
New initiatives like a multi-storey parking facility, a new tehsil office, and the inclusion of Chaiti Temple in the Manaskhand Corridor, aiming to develop Kashipur as a cultural and religious hub.
Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi and MP Ajay Bhatt praised CM Dhami’s leadership and highlighted recent reforms like anti-copying laws and the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
The event was attended by several dignitaries including Health Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, MLAs, administrative officials, and public representatives. CM Dhami also paid homage to Late Kailash Gahtori at Sai Public School, Kundeshwari, on his death anniversary.
