Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi for a courtesy meeting on Friday. During this visit, he expressed his appreciation for the ongoing assistance and guidance offered by the Central Government in support of Uttarakhand’s development. CM Dhami highlighted the significant milestones achieved by the state, attributing this success to the collaboration with the Central Government. He also invited the Prime Minister to visit Uttarakhand.

Presentation of State Gifts and Developmental Funding

As part of the visit, the Chief Minister presented several gifts to the Prime Minister, including a replica of Shaktipeeth Maa Surkanda Devi, local Badri cow ghee, five different types of rajma from various districts, and honey. CM Dhami expressed gratitude for the allocation of Rs 500 crore for the 2027 Haridwar Kumbh, the initiation of a feasibility study under the river-linking project by the National Water Development Agency, and the approval of Rs 100 crore for the development of Chauraasi Kutiya in Rajaji National Park. Furthermore, he mentioned the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the Naini-Saini airstrip in Pithoragarh and the Central Government’s support for safe helicopter services during the Char Dham Yatra.

Infrastructure and Economic Initiatives

The meeting also covered various infrastructure projects that have received approval, such as the undergrounding of electric lines in Rishikesh, the Champawat bypass, the Dehradun Ring Road, and enhancements to the Dehradun-Mussoorie Road. The Chief Minister provided updates on initiatives undertaken by the state government based on recommendations made by the Prime Minister during his prior visit to Uttarakhand. He noted ongoing efforts to position the state as a global wedding destination, with locations like Chopta, Duggalbitta, Patwadangar, and the Sharda Corridor in development, while popular sites like Ramnagar, Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Triyuginarayan continue to attract interest. A new wedding destination policy is also in the works.

Spiritual Economic Zones and Pilgrimage Growth

Regions such as Bel Kedar, Anjanisain-Tehri, and Lohaghat-Shyamlatal have been earmarked as Spiritual Economic Zones. The introduction of winter pilgrimage has contributed to a notable increase in visitor numbers, with the count of pilgrims to Adi Kailash rising from 1,761 in 2022 to 36,453 in 2025, aided by helicopter services. Additionally, adventure tourism is being promoted through activities like river rafting, paragliding, and kayaking. The “Vocal for Local” initiative aims to elevate local products to a global market through the House of Himalayas brand.

Educational and Economic Programs

The Chief Minister also informed PM Modi about various educational initiatives such as “One District One Fair,” cluster school schemes, Bharat Darshan, and Uttarakhand Darshan programs designed to enhance education, tourism, and rural economies. Dhami requested an extension of the Regional Rapid Transit System from Meerut to Haridwar and Rishikesh, as well as support for establishing defence equipment manufacturing units in the state. He emphasized Uttarakhand’s strategic significance, skilled workforce, and existing industrial facilities.

Transport and Connectivity Proposals

In the context of transport, the Chief Minister proposed multiple infrastructural advancements, including the introduction of seaplane services in Tehri Lake, the construction of the Delhi-Haldwani Expressway, and the inauguration of the Rishikesh-Vyasi section for the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project. He also discussed the need for a road-cum-rail tunnel in the Tanakpur-Bageshwar rail line and the survey for a Bageshwar-Karnaprayag rail line, suggesting a new Rishikesh-Uttarkashi rail line to enhance connectivity to sites like Gangotri and Yamunotri. The Prime Minister was invited to Uttarakhand for upcoming inaugurations and foundation-laying ceremonies for significant projects.

Focus on Local Reforms and Digital Initiatives

CM Dhami outlined several reforms and initiatives within the state, including the registration of over 6,000 homestays under the homestay scheme, the launch of the first free marketing portal “Uttarastays,” and the establishment of Centres

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