Top News

Rudraprayag (Uttarakhand) [भारत]July 25 (ANI): The Motor Bridge and Tunnel project under construction in Rudraprayag with the aim of facilitating Badrinath and Kedarnath Yatra has reached its final stage. The project is likely to be opened for traffic in August.

The National Highways Department is constructing approximately 900.30 meter and 200 meter long motor bridges to improve connectivity on the Badrinath and Kedarnath pilgrimage routes. The Central Government has sanctioned ₹156 crore for this ambitious infrastructure project.

According to Rudraprayag District Magistrate Vishal Mishra, about 99 per cent of the work on the bridge and tunnel connecting Kedarnath and Badrinath highways has been completed, and the remaining one per cent work is progressing rapidly. Speaking to ANI, Vishal Mishra said, "...the tunnel work has been completed. Work on the bridge is going on at a fast pace. We are hopeful that we will be able to open the bridge for trial testing by the end of August. When the tunnel and bridge are connected, people will benefit..."

According to the department, load testing of the bridge will be done soon, after which it is expected to be opened for vehicular movement in August. The District Magistrate said that once operational, this bridge will significantly reduce the heavy traffic jam in the main market of Rudraprayag during the Char Dham Yatra season. It will provide a smooth and secure connectivity for both pilgrims and residents.

Welfare schemes for workers

Earlier this week, on Thursday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched several new welfare schemes for construction workers registered under the Uttarakhand Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board. He also flagged off two medical mobile vans under the Chief Minister Health Scheme for construction workers and their families.

Addressing a program at the Chief Sevak Sadan of the Chief Minister Camp Office, Dhami said the state government is committed to the welfare of workers and the newly launched initiative will significantly improve the quality of life of construction workers and their families.

Dhami further said that the state government is empowering the workers by providing them with necessary tools, bicycles and sewing machines to strengthen their livelihood. Financial assistance is also being provided to registered construction workers to build or buy houses. Furthermore, elderly construction workers are being provided monthly pension to ensure financial security and dignity in their later years.

The Chief Minister urged all eligible construction workers to regularly renew their registration with the Uttarakhand Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board so that they can continue to avail the benefits of all the welfare schemes launched by the government. Earlier, P C Dumka, Secretary of the Board, presented an overview of the activities of the Board and informed the gathering about the newly launched welfare initiatives. (ANI)