Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday inaugurated a 220.90-metre-long pre-stressed girder bridge over the Dhangarhi Nala in Nainital district, saying it would provide a lasting answer to monsoon-related disruption on National Highway-309 and improve connectivity between the Kumaon and Garhwal divisions.
Built at a cost of Rs 29.65 crore, the bridge is expected to make travel safer and more convenient, while supporting tourism, trade, the local economy and wider regional development. Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta said the project would also strengthen access to education and healthcare services.
advertisement
Addressing the event in Ramnagar, Dhami said the route was frequently disrupted during the monsoon because of rising water levels in the Dhangarhi Nala, causing difficulties for the general public, tourists and emergency services. He said the newly constructed bridge would ensure a permanent solution to the problem. He also said smooth traffic flow through the forest area would support wildlife conservation and environmental balance.
Dhami said the route is a vital link between Kumaon and Garhwal. He said the state government, after completing five years of “service, good governance, and development”, has worked to take growth to every region of Uttarakhand. In this effort, work is under way in several sectors, including modern roads and bridges, expansion of the railway network, ropeways, and development in health, education, tourism and border areas. Dhami completed five years as Uttarakhand chief minister on Saturday.
He said the 175.60-metre-long Panaud Bridge, being built near the Dhangarhi bridge at an approximate cost of Rs 18.43 crore, is also nearing completion and will soon be opened to the public. According to Dhami, both the Dhangarhi bridge and the Panaud Bridge will be important for the development of the region.
Speaking at the event, Tamta said the new bridge would further strengthen connectivity between Kumaon and Garhwal and give fresh impetus to trade, agriculture, tourism, education and healthcare services. He said it would directly benefit pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra as well as domestic and international tourists visiting Jim Corbett National Park. Overall, the projects are aimed at easing travel on a key route and improving access across the region.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
