Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inspected a newly built bridge and tunnel project in Rudraprayag on 26 October 2026, as trial traffic began on the route under the Char Dham road project. He said the facility would be formally inaugurated soon.
The project is designed to provide a direct connection between the Kedarnath National Highway (NH-107) and the Badrinath National Highway (NH-07). Once regular traffic begins, pilgrims travelling to Kedarnath and Badrinath will no longer need to pass through Rudraprayag market.
That change is expected to reduce traffic pressure in the town during the Char Dham pilgrseason. Local residents and visitors could also get relief from congestion on the existing route.
Bridge, tunnel and road details
The project has been built at an estimated cost of ₹156 crore. It includes a 200-metre bridge over the Alaknanda River and a 900.30-metre tunnel.
The combined length of the bridge, tunnel and connecting road is approximately 1.18 kilometres. Trial-based movement has started on the bridge-tunnel route, while the formal opening is expected to take place soon, according to the Chief Minister’s statement.
Dhami said making the Char Dham pilgrmore convenient, safer and better organised remains a priority for the state government. He linked improved road connectivity and modern infrastructure with better facilities for devotees, as well as potential growth in local trade, tourism and employment opportunities.
The Chief Minister also sought information about slope protection and stabilisation work in landslide-affected areas along the Rudraprayag-Gaurikund National Highway. The work is intended to reduce landslide-related risks and strengthen the pilgrroute.
Library campaign inspected
During the visit, Dhami also reviewed Sangam Library, which was developed under the district administration’s campaign, “Donate one Book, Plant a Tree of Knowledge”. The initiative was started on the initiative of Rudraprayag District Magistrate Vishal Mishra.
The campaign aims to encourage students to read, provide study material for competitive examinations and strengthen public libraries. Elected representatives, officials and residents have supported the initiative.
More than 2,500 books have been received by Sangam Library. The collection includes material for competitive examinations, general knowledge, literature and other subjects.
Dhami contributed 150 books to the campaign. He said books are important tools for gaining knowledge and developing personality, particularly for students who need study material while preparing for competitive examinations.
He added that community support for libraries could help promote a stronger culture of reading and learning among young people.
Officials present
Cabinet Minister Bharat Singh Choudhary, Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee vice-president Vijay Kaprwan, and Border Area Monitoring Council vice-president Chandi Prasad Bhatt attended the visit.
Others present included State Women’s Commission vice-president Aishwarya Rawat, District Panchayat chairperson Poonam Kathait, BJP district president Bharat Bhushan Bhatt, and officials from the district administration.
Information Director General Banshidhar Tiwari, District Magistrate Vishal Mishra, Chief Development Officer Rajendra Singh Rawat and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sohan Singh Saini were also present, along with other public representatives and officials.
Conclusion
Trial traffic has begun on Rudraprayag’s 1.18-kilometre bridge-tunnel link, which is intended to connect the Kedarnath and Badrinath highways directly, reduce congestion in the market and improve Char Dham travel after its formal inauguration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What did Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inspect in Rudraprayag?
He inspected the bridge and tunnel project built under the Char Dham road project and also visited Sangam Library.
Q. Which highways will the new route connect?
The route will directly connect Kedarnath National Highway (NH-107) with Badrinath National Highway (NH-07).
Q. What are the main dimensions of the project?
It includes a 200-metre bridge over the Alaknanda River and a 900.30-metre tunnel. The bridge, tunnel and connecting road together measure approximately 1.18 kilometres.
Q. Has traffic started on the bridge-tunnel route?
Yes. Traffic has begun on a trial basis, while the formal inauguration is expected soon.
Q. How could the project affect Rudraprayag town?
Pilgrims travelling to Kedarnath and Badrinath will not need to pass through Rudraprayag market once regular traffic starts, which is expected to reduce congestion.
Q. What is the Sangam Library campaign?
The “Donate one Book, Plant a Tree of Knowledge” campaign seeks to encourage reading, provide competitive-examination material and strengthen libraries.
Q. How many books has Sangam Library received?
The library has received more than 2,500 books, including competitive-examination, general knowledge, literature and other subject materials.
Q. How many books did the Chief Minister contribute?
Pushkar Singh Dhami contributed 150 books to the campaign.
