The Uttarakhand government has sanctioned a set of developmental projects worth more than 8 crores to enhance pilgrimage infrastructure and improve the facilities of the people in the state. They comprise 2.13crore to be used in expanding and upgrading helipad facilities at Badrinath and Kedarnath, 4.60crore to be used in preparation activities regarding the Nanda Devi Raj Yatra, and 2.03crore to be used in development works in the Udham Singh Nagar district.
The official sources indicate that 2.13 crore has been approved to upgrade the infrastructure of the helipads in the Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines. These two temples in the Himalayas receive lakhs of pilgrims annually, especially during the Char Dham Yatra period. The released finances will be utilized in the extension of the helipad platforms, in the enhancement of landing and take-off facilities and the advancement of security provisions. They claimed the action would boost aerial coverage, facilitate the work of helicopters, and coordinate the work of emergency services in times of high pilgrimage flows.
Besides, the government has granted 4.60 crore towards the next Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, the next big religious ceremony in Uttarakhand. The yatra, which is conducted after a long period, attracts thousands of followers who make a difficult trip through the rocky landscapes. The approved funds will be used in the development of parking facilities, betterment of routes and building of necessary infrastructure by pilgrims. The governance wants to provide enhanced crowd control, safety, and comfort for attendees in the 2026 yatra.
Moreover, 2.03 crore has been given on development works at Udham Singh Nagar district. The money will also be employed in the enhancement of infrastructure projects, such as fixing and reinforcing government buildings and social facilities. According to the officials, the allocation is also included in the larger concentration of the government regarding balanced development of the region and enhancement of basic services in the plains districts of the state.
The approvals indicate that the state government continues focusing on the religious tourism, development of infrastructure and welfare of the people. The administration expects to increase the tourist numbers by investing in the development of helipads and that of the pilgrimage through the provision of security and comfort to tourists. Simultaneously, the budget for Udham Singh Nagar highlights the need to meet local development requirements outside the hill districts.
The officials affirmed that the concerned departments have been ordered to hasten the implementation process to see the projects completed promptly before the next big pilgrimage season.
