DEHRADUN, Oct 25: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday inspected the ongoing construction of the Amritpur Bypass and directed officials to expedite the project to ease traffic congestion across the Kumaon region, particularly during peak tourist seasons and weekends.
During the inspection, Dhami instructed the concerned departments to complete the work on priority, emphasising that adequate funds had been sanctioned and financial constraints should not delay the project.
The need for improved road connectivity has become increasingly evident with the growing number of tourists and pilgrims visiting Uttarakhand’s popular destinations. During the long weekend from October 2 to 4, Kainchi Dham in Nainital district witnessed more than 45,000 pilgrims in a single day, compared with its usual daily footfall of around 20,000 to 25,000. The sudden surge led to prolonged traffic jams, leaving commuters stranded for hours.
Dhami said the rising popularity of Baba Neem Karoli’s shrine and tourist destinations such as Nainital, Ranikhet, Kausani, Pithoragarh, Almora and Bageshwar had increased pressure on the existing road network.
He noted that the growth in tourism was encouraging for the state but required corresponding improvements in infrastructure and traffic management to ensure a smooth travel experience for visitors and residents.
The chief minister said the state government was taking steps to strengthen road connectivity and address transportation challenges in busy tourist areas. He expressed confidence that the Amritpur Bypass would help ease the movement of vehicles and reduce congestion on existing routes once completed.
Dhami assured officials that there would be no shortage of funds for the project, adding that the required budget had already been approved. He directed them to accelerate construction activities and ensure that all associated work was carried out within the stipulated timeframe.
Stressing the importance of construction standards, the chief minister said the quality of work must be closely monitored at every stage. He warned that negligence would not be tolerated and called for regular inspections to ensure timely execution without compromising safety or durability.
During the review, Divisional Commissioner Deepak Rawat briefed the chief minister on the project’s progress. Public Works Department engineers informed him that Rs 1.75 crore had been sanctioned for the first phase and Rs 4.69 crore for the second phase.
According to officials, construction has reached 15 per cent completion, while 14 per cent of the allocated funds has been utilised so far.
The bypass is expected to provide an alternative route for vehicles and improve traffic movement during periods of heavy tourist arrivals. Its completion is also expected to reduce travel-related difficulties for local residents, who frequently face delays during holidays and weekends.
Dhami reiterated that improving tourism infrastructure, strengthening traffic management and ensuring convenient transportation for residents remained key priorities of his government.
He said the timely completion of the Amritpur Bypass would be an important step towards addressing recurring traffic problems in the Kumaon region and supporting the continued growth of tourism in Uttarakhand.
The chief minister directed the officials to maintain close coordination among departments, monitor construction progress regularly and ensure that the project is delivered within the prescribed deadline.