Uttarakhand's Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami recently met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to discuss several key development initiatives for the state, with a particular focus on the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Haridwar in 2027. Dhami expressed his gratitude for the central government's continued support and affirmed Uttarakhand's commitment to contributing to India's development goals by 2047.

During the meeting, Dhami presented Modi with a replica of the Kartik Swami Temple, a coffee table book on the Adi Kailash Yatra, and an assortment of local Uttarakhand products, including Kanar ghee, red rice from Purola, Basmati rice, black cumin, Gandhrayan herb, Jambu herb, and local honey.

A major focus of the discussion was the Mahakumbh to be held in Haridwar in 2027. Dhami stated that preparations are already underway for the event. He requested ₹3,500 crore from the central government to support infrastructure projects related to the Kumbh Mela, including repairs to bridges, parking facilities, and improvements to electricity, water, sanitation, and transportation. Previously, at the NITI Aayog meeting, Dhami sought central support to make the Kumbh Mela a "grand and divine" event.

In addition to the Kumbh Mela, Dhami also discussed the Nanda Raj Jat Yatra, a significant Himalayan pilgrimage scheduled for August 2026. He invited Prime Minister Modi to attend this event and requested ₹400 crore in financial assistance from the Centre for developing eco-friendly infrastructure to support the pilgrimage.

Dhami also requested the Prime Minister's assistance in developing the Haridwar Ganga Corridor, Rishikesh Ganga Corridor, and Sharda Corridor in Champawat, modeled after the Kedarnath and Badrinath master plans, with funding through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Other key proposals and requests presented by Dhami included: * Developing Nepa Farm in Udham Singh Nagar into a semiconductor hub. * Extending the Delhi–Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) to Haridwar. * Including route construction in the Tanakpur–Bageshwar and Rishikesh–Uttarkashi rail projects. * Approval for five hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 596 MW. * Approval for a ₹1,015 crore Detailed Project Report (DPR) under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) for undergrounding power lines and automating the power system.

Furthermore, Dhami requested the inclusion of lift irrigation systems under the PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana, addressing the unique geographical challenges in Uttarakhand where only 10% of hilly areas are currently irrigated. He also urged for the formulation of a national-level sustainable drainage plan for urban areas, highlighting the challenges posed by rapid urbanization.

The Prime Minister inquired about the Char Dham Yatra, Adi Kailash Yatra, Nanda Raj Jat Yatra, the upcoming Mahakumbh in Haridwar, and the Jal Jeevan Mission in the state. Modi assured Dhami of the central government’s full support for Uttarakhand's development.

In related news, preparations are underway for several infrastructure projects in Uttarakhand. These include the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Route Project, expected to significantly reduce travel time for Char Dham pilgrims. The Delhi-Dehradun Economy Corridor is nearing completion, promising increased economic activity. Additionally, a bridge on the Neel Dhara at Chandi Ghat in Haridwar is almost complete, set to improve connectivity for Char Dham Yatra pilgrims.

Chief Minister Dhami has also been actively approving funds for various development projects across the state. These include road construction and improvement projects, drinking water projects, and upgrades to infrastructure and services. He also launched and inaugurated 19 development projects worth Rs 110.56 crore in Kashipur, including road projects, municipal buildings, and a sewage treatment plant.