PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Haridwar
In a major boost to the ongoing preparations for 2027 Kumbh Mela, the State government has approved three key infrastructure development projects in Haridwar. These include a Command and Control Centre (CCR) building equipped with modern facilities and the construction of two double-lane bridges over the Sukhi river and the Mayapur Escape Channel.
The government has approved a project cost of Rs 50.27 crore for the ccr 2 building, with Rs 20.11 crore released as the first instalment. This new centre, to be built adjacent to the current mela control building, will be equipped with the state-of-the-art surveillance and crowd management facilities. Significantly, a helipad will also be built on its top floor, which will aid in disaster, rescue and evacuation operations.
Further, a 44.80-meter-long double-lane bridge will be constructed in place of the existing causeway over the dry riverbed on the Kharkhari cremation ground road. The project cost is Rs 13.21 crore, with Rs 5.28 crore released as the first instalment. A 60-meter-span double-lane bridge connecting Dakshadweep and Bairagi Camp over the Mayapur Escape Channel has also been approved, costing Rs 12.46 crore, with Rs 4.98 crore released as the first instalment.
Describing these projects as crucial for Kumbh 2027, the Mela officer Sonika directed the implementing agencies to begin the construction immediately. She also emphasised quality construction with mandatory safety and load testing.
