Chardham Project: Progress on Critical Connectivity to Uttarakhand's Holy Shrines

The Centre informed the Supreme Court that nearly 75% of the Chardham Project, connecting Uttarakhand's holy shrines, is complete. The 900-kilometre project, nearing the China border, aims to enhance all-weather connectivity. Oversight by a court-appointed committee has produced detailed reports, reflecting significant progress.

The Centre on Monday informed the Supreme Court of India that 75% of the work on the Chardham Project in Uttarakhand is complete. This strategic initiative aims to provide all-weather connectivity to key holy sites near the China border, bolstering infrastructure in the region.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati updated the court's Justices C T Ravikumar and Ujjal Bhuyan about the project's progress, reflecting the oversight of a committee led by former justice A K Sikri. Reports from the committee, submitted earlier this year, confirm substantial progress has been achieved.

The project, approved in 2016, seeks to modernize roads to crucial shrines including Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Despite environmental concerns, the 2021 Supreme Court ruling permitted further development under strict oversight to balance ecological impact with infrastructure needs.

(With inputs from agencies.)