PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Chief secretary Anand Bardhan has directed the chief engineer of the Public Works department (PWD) to expedite the work on the Bhowali-Ratighat bypass and ensure smooth traffic flow on this route before the tourist season begins. During a site inspection on Tuesday, Bardhan reviewed the newly constructed Bhowali bypass, the Bhowali-Ratighat bypass, ongoing construction projects at the Kainchi Dham temple and safety measures to prevent road landslides on Nainital Mall Road.
Bardhan instructed that all construction work should be completed before June, coinciding with the pilgrimage season, to make the Bhowali-Ratighat bypass operational. He noted that the number of devotees visiting the world-famous Kainchi Dham is rising consistently, highlighting the importance of transportation facilities to aid travelers and alleviate traffic congestion.
PWD chief engineer PS Brijwal informed him that the construction of eight kilometres of the 18.15-kilometre bypass from Bhowali sanatorium to Ratighat has been completed, allowing for smooth traffic flow on this stretch. Currently, work on the construction of safety walls and other safety measures is progressing. Brijwal said that a motor bridge is under construction to connect the bypass with the Bhowali-Almora national highway at Ratighat.
Bardhan added that this route’s construction will not only alleviate traffic congestion at Kainchi Dham but also provide an alternative route for vehicles heading to mountain districts.
During the inspection, the CS also checked the tourism development and beautification initiatives under the Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission including multi-storey car parking and a meditation centre, among others.He also inspected protective and improvement work on the Lower Mall Road in Nainital, undertaken to repair damage from 2018 and to prevent subsidence and landslides.
