In a major boost for Uttarakhand’s spiritual tourism, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday approved substantial funds for heliport enhancements at Badrinath and Kedarnath Dhams. The Rs 1.74 crore allocation targets the expansion of the UKADA-operated permanent heliport’s platform and approach road upgrades in Joshimath block, Badrinath constituency.
Kedarnath’s GMVN-adjacent heliport gets Rs 39.40 lakh for safety fortifications. These improvements are timely, given the heliports’ role in airlifting pilgrims amid challenging Himalayan terrain.
Anticipating the grand Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra in 2026, the CM has sanctioned over Rs 5 crore across blocks for parking facilities and rest houses. Highlights include Tharali’s Chaupdiyon (Rs 71.67 lakh for 8-car parking and rest house); Deval’s Sarkot (Rs 1.14 crore for 63 cars/9 bikes parking plus amenities); Karnaprayag’s Naoti (Rs 42.39 lakh for 37 cars/48 bikes); Narayan Bagad’s Magoti (Rs 79.56 lakh for 94 cars); Karnaprayag’s Kansua (Rs 64.23 lakh for 43 cars); and Tharali’s Kulsari (Rs 5.51 lakh temporary for 89 cars).
Nandanagar block sees Rs 33.65 lakh for Kanole’s 30-car permanent parking, Rs 18.30 lakh for Aala’s 13-car temporary, and Rs 31.03 lakh for Ramni’s 28-car permanent setup. Such proactive measures will prevent congestion during the yatra.
Shifting to education, approvals cover repairs at ashram schools: Bidaura gets Rs 83.99 lakh (boundary), Rs 33.75 lakh (hostel), Rs 28.20 lakh (residential), Rs 24.21 lakh (teaching block). Khatima girls’ schools receive Rs 15.39 lakh and Rs 17.30 lakh for maintenance.
A poignant gesture: The Nodkhal-Malakot rural road in Yamkeshwar, Pauri Garhwal, is renamed after freedom fighter Mahitab Singh, immortalizing his legacy.
CM Dhami’s decisions reflect a balanced approach to tourism infrastructure, event preparedness, education, and historical reverence, positioning Uttarakhand as a model for developmental governance in sacred landscapes.