CM Dhami Kicks Off Rs 13.5 Crore Khatima-Sitarganj Road Widening
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami performs bhumi pujan for the Rs 13.5 crore Khatima-Sitarganj road widening project to ease traffic congestion.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has officially set the wheels in motion for a major infrastructure upgrade in his home constituency. On Tuesday, the Chief Minister performed the Khatima-Sitarganj road widening bhumi pujan, marking the start of a project estimated to cost Rs 13.5 crore.
Ending a Long Wait for Commuters
Speaking to the media during the groundbreaking ceremony, CM Dhami highlighted that the expansion of this specific route had been a long-standing demand. He noted that Khatima serves as a vital hub for a large population arriving from surrounding rural areas, and the existing road infrastructure was no longer sufficient to handle the volume of traffic.
The Chief Minister described Khatima as a "mini-India," reflecting a diverse blend of people from all castes and social backgrounds. He emphasized that because a National Highway passes through the region and the road is a primary artery for those traveling toward Taragarh, the widening project is essential for the region's growth.
Beyond Asphalt: Focus on Pedestrians and Hygiene
The project is not just about widening the lanes for vehicles; it is designed to improve the overall commuting experience. According to the Chief Minister, the completion of the work will:
- Significantly reduce traffic congestion.
- Ensure a smoother journey for daily commuters.
- Eliminate inconveniences faced by pedestrians.
In a move toward better urban amenities, CM Dhami also addressed the lack of public sanitation in the area. He directed the executing agency to tackle the shortage of public restrooms by constructing new facilities, specifically mentioning the inclusion of "pink toilets" dedicated to women.
A Vision for Uniform Development
The road project is part of a larger strategy for the state. CM Dhami stated that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government is committed to the holistic and integrated development of Uttarakhand.
The Chief Minister stressed that development must be uniform across the entire state, regardless of the geography. He cited a wide range of regions—from Niti to Mada, Malari to Gunji, the border at Tyuni, and from Gangaspur in Haridwar to Chakarpur and Kanakpur—asserting that the government is making every effort to ensure rapid progress in every corner of the state.
Closing his address, the Chief Minister reiterated his firm resolve to transform Khatima into an ideal constituency through a continuous stream of development initiatives.