A New Gateway to the Char Dhams: Rishikesh Bypass Takes Shape

Work has officially commenced on the much-anticipated Rishikesh bypass in Uttarakhand, marking a major milestone for regional infrastructure. As part of the PM Gati Shakti initiative, the Network Planning Group (NPG) recently evaluated an 11-kilometer elevated corridor—an integral section of the project designed to streamline travel through Rishikesh.

This elevated stretch will provide uninterrupted passage for vehicles traveling from Dehradun and Haridwar to the Char Dham pilgrimage sites—Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri—by bypassing city traffic and congestion-prone junctions. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the project features a 6/4-lane elevated corridor and an additional four-lane road, offering expanded capacity and alternative routes for future traffic demands.

Estimated to cost around ₹1,500 crore, this critical section will be the first of three packages, with subsequent phases—including the construction of five tunnels—under evaluation. Officials emphasized the significant relief expected once the elevated stretch becomes operational.

The bypass will also provide direct connectivity from Jolly Grant Airport and accommodate long-distance traffic from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab—completely bypassing Rishikesh city. The project aims to eliminate railway crossings and separate through traffic from local movement, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency.

With traffic volumes in the region projected to rise, the Rishikesh bypass is a vital infrastructure upgrade to reduce congestion and ensure smoother, faster travel for pilgrims and tourists visiting the Char Dhams.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.