Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met a delegation led by Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar on Friday at the Chief Minister’s residence, where discussions focused on strengthening railway infrastructure in the state, ongoing projects, and future requirements. The Chief Minister stressed that improved rail connectivity would significantly contribute to Uttarakhand’s development by boosting tourism, pilgrimage, investment, and the local economy. He described the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Rail Project as one of the state’s most important and ambitious initiatives and urged that it be completed within the planned timeframe. He added that the project would make travel easier, safer, and more modern for pilgrims and tourists visiting the Char Dham sites, especially Shri Badrinath and Shri Kedarnath.

The meeting also covered the Tanakpur–Bageshwar Rail Project, with officials noting that its survey and Detailed Project Report (DPR) have already been completed. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that visible progress would be achieved by November 2026. He also called for advancing the Karnaprayag–Bageshwar and Kichha–Khatima rail lines, saying they are essential for future needs and balanced regional growth.

Dhami further highlighted the importance of upgrading railway stations across Uttarakhand to modern standards, noting that Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Roorkee, Haldwani, Kathgodam, Ramnagar, and Tanakpur act as key entry points to the state. He emphasized enhancing passenger facilities and infrastructure at these stations.

In view of the upcoming Kumbh and Kanwar Melas, he also urged the development of special arrangements at Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Roorkee stations to handle large pilgrim crowds. He said coordinated efforts between the state government and Indian Railways would ensure safer and more comfortable travel for passengers.

He also stressed the need to expedite the doubling of the Haridwar–Dehradun railway line, adding that railway expansion and modernization would open up new opportunities in investment, trade, tourism, and employment, ultimately strengthening Uttarakhand’s economy. Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar assured that all issues raised during the meeting would be taken seriously and necessary action would be taken.