Pushkar Singh Dhami has urged the central government to speed up key railway projects in Uttarakhand and provide support for organising a technology-driven Kumbh Mela 2027. The chief minister raised these issues during a meeting with Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who handles the railways and electronics and information technology portfolios.
The meeting focused on two major areas—improving transport infrastructure and using modern technology for managing large religious events. Both are important for Uttarakhand, a state known for its difficult terrain, tourism, and pilgrimage routes.
Dhami highlighted that better rail connectivity is essential for the state’s development. He pointed out that thousands of tourists and pilgrims visit Uttarakhand every year, especially during religious events. Strong railway networks can reduce pressure on roads and make travel safer and faster.
One of the main demands raised by the chief minister was the expansion of railway projects across the state. He asked the Centre to speed up work on pending proposals and approve new ones that can improve connectivity between different regions.
Among the key proposals was the extension of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) from Meerut to Haridwar and Rishikesh. Dhami said that the existing Delhi–Meerut RRTS corridor has already improved travel efficiency, and extending it further could greatly benefit Uttarakhand.
He also stressed the importance of completing the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Project. This project is seen as a crucial link for connecting remote areas in the state. Dhami requested that the first phase of this project be completed and inaugurated by 2026.
Another major proposal was to grant national project status to the Tanakpur–Bageshwar rail line. Such a status would ensure faster funding and execution. He also asked for approval of surveys for additional rail routes, including the Bageshwar–Karnaprayag line.
The chief minister further raised the need to double the rail line between Haridwar and Dehradun. This would help manage increasing passenger traffic and improve train frequency.
Other important proposals included faster progress on the Doiwala–Uttarkashi and Karnaprayag–Peepalkoti routes under the Char Dham rail project. Dhami also sought priority approval for the Mohand–Dehradun–Saharanpur rail line.
These projects are expected to improve last-mile connectivity and reduce dependence on road transport. In a hilly state like Uttarakhand, better rail infrastructure can also help during emergencies and natural disasters.
Apart from rail projects, the meeting also focused on preparations for Kumbh Mela 2027. The state government is planning to organise the event using advanced digital technologies.
Dhami proposed a “Digital Kumbh” plan, which aims to use tools like artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to manage large crowds and improve safety. He said that such technologies can help monitor real-time situations and respond quickly to emergencies.
The plan includes systems for crowd management, traffic control, public communication, and disaster response. These measures are important because the Kumbh Mela attracts millions of pilgrims, putting heavy pressure on infrastructure.
To implement this plan, the state has requested financial assistance of ₹143.96 crore from the central government. Dhami emphasised that early approval is necessary to build the required digital systems in time.
The idea is to combine traditional religious practices with modern technology. By doing so, the government hopes to make the event safer, more organised, and more efficient.
Officials believe that a technology-driven approach can reduce chaos and improve the overall experience for pilgrims. Real-time data can help authorities track crowd movement, manage traffic, and provide timely information to visitors.
The proposal also reflects a broader vision of using technology in governance. If successful, the Digital Kumbh could become a model for managing large public events in India.
Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw assured the chief minister that the proposals would be given positive consideration. However, no specific timelines for approvals have been announced yet.
In conclusion, the meeting between the Uttarakhand chief minister and the Union minister highlights the state’s focus on development and modernisation. By pushing for better rail connectivity and a technology-driven Kumbh, the government aims to improve both infrastructure and public management.
These efforts are expected to benefit not only pilgrims and tourists but also local residents and businesses. As Uttarakhand prepares for future challenges and opportunities, such initiatives could play a key role in shaping its growth.
The coming months will be important in determining how quickly these proposals move forward and how effectively they are implemented.
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