Haridwar gears up for Kumbh 2027 as CM Pushkar Singh Dhami approves fast-trackin

The Uttarakhand government has intensified development work in Haridwar with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directing officials to complete all permanent infrastructure projects by October 2026In preparation for the Kumbh Mela 2027 to be held next year in Haridwar special emphasis is being placed on the rapid development of infrastructure the expansion of facilities for pilgrims and the establishment of modern surveillance and control systems for enhanced securityEfforts are underway to fasttrack the implementation of related projects on the ground In this regard the state government has approved the construction of a new Command and Control Centre building CCR2 for the Kumbh Mela along with two new bridges over the Sukhi River and the Mayapur escape channelIt is noteworthy that Pushkar Singh Dhami during his visit to Haridwar last Monday reviewed the preparations for Kumbh Mela 2027 and directed officials to ensure all necessary arrangements for the convenience accessibility and safety of pilgrims while accelerating infrastructure development He clearly stated that the state government would leave no stone unturned in organising the Kumbh Mela On this occasion he also instructed that construction work on the CCR2 building and both bridges be initiated at the earliest In compliance with these directions the required approvals for all three key projects have now been issued at the government levelUnder the arrangements for Kumbh Mela 2027 a project worth Rs5027 crore has been approved for the construction of the CCR2 building in Haridwar with Rs2011 crore released as the first instalment This project is extremely important for managing not only the Kumbh Mela but also other major bathing festivals and the Kanwar Yatra held in HaridwarThe new Command and Control Centre will be developed near the existing Mela Control Building CCR and will be equipped with modern technologies and facilities A helipad is also proposed on the top floor of the building to facilitate helicopter landing and takeoff during emergencies enabling effective crowd management rescue and evacuation operations during large gatherings The existing CCR building was constructed in 2004 and considering the increasing number of pilgrims and modern requirements the new CCR2 is being developed to ensure advanced monitoring and control of the entire Mela areaIn the same sequence the government has also approved the construction of a 4480meterlong doublelane bridge cable net arch on the Sukhi River replacing the existing causeway on the road leading to the Kankhal cremation ground During the monsoon season waterlogging and strong currents at the causeway pose a significant risk to life and property including incidents of vehicles being swept away The proposed bridge will effectively mitigate these risks and provide a separate safe and smooth route for pilgrims during the Kumbh Mela and other bathing festivals The bridge will include pedestrian footpaths and approach roads on both sides The total approved cost of this project is Rs1321 crore with Rs528 crore released as the first instalmentApproval has also been granted for the construction of a 60meter span bowstring steel girder doublelane bridge over the Mayapur escape channel downstream of the existing bridge connecting Dakshdweep and Bairagi Camp This new bridge will directly link the parking area being developed in the Dakshdweep region with Bairagi Camp providing a separate and smooth route for pilgrims during major events like the Kumbh Mela and significantly improving crowd management Approach roads will also be constructed at both ends of the bridge The total approved cost of this project is Rs1246 crore with Rs498 crore released in the first instalmentMela Officer Sonika has termed all these projects as highly significant for the successful aayojn of Kumbh Mela 2027 keeping in mind the convenience accessibility and safety of pilgrims She has directed the executing agencies to commence construction work without delay and ensure completion within the stipulated timeline with highquality standardsShe further emphasised continuous monitoring of progress and quality along with mandatory testing as per norms It has also been directed that safety inspections load testing and other technical evaluations of the bridges must be completed well in time to ensure their safe and full utilisation during the Kumbh MelaThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever