Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan has directed officials to give top priority to the Sharda, Rishikesh, and Haridwar corridor projects. He also instructed that a hydrological study be conducted at Trivenighat under the Trivenighat project to ensure adequate Ganga water availability, along with expert consultations.
Chairing the Executive Committee meeting of the Uttarakhand Investment and Infrastructure Development Board (UIIDB) on Tuesday, Bardhan emphasized timely execution of infrastructure projects in the state. He asked for a feasibility assessment of developing underground parking, a green park, and a heritage forest walkway on the land of the old railway station in Rishikesh.
The Chief Secretary instructed that the Haridwar Corridor project be completed within set timelines, especially in view of the upcoming Kumbh Mela. He also suggested provisions for expanding the rapid rail transport system from Haridwar to Rishikesh, exploring the possibility of a railway line between Rishikesh and Dehradun, and creating infrastructure to meet future requirements.
Bardhan further directed shifting of the ISBT and the Char Dham Yatra registration center in Rishikesh to suitable locations after consultation with divisional and district authorities, police, transport, tourism, and stakeholders. He called for an integrated command and control center in Haridwar with modern security and crowd management systems, as well as speedy execution of plans for a cultural center at Chandighat and a multi-modal tourism hub. Proposals were also sought for Yamuna Colony redevelopment in Dehradun and the development of new greenfield cities.
