*Preparations Underway to Streamline Traffic Management Ahead of Char Dham Yatra; Inspection of Parking Projects in Gauchar, Karnaprayag, and Chamoli*
*Housing Department Mobilizes on Directives from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami; Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar Conducts On-Site Assessment of Arrangements*
Acting on the directives of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the state government has accelerated preparations to enhance traffic management along the Char Dham Yatra route. In this context, Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar, Secretary of the Housing Department, conducted an on-site inspection of ongoing and proposed parking projects in Gauchar, Karnaprayag, and Chamoli within the Chamoli district. During the inspection, Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar held a detailed review of the progress of construction works with officials from the concerned departments and issued instructions to complete all projects within the stipulated deadlines. In alignment with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s priorities, ensuring smooth traffic facilities for pilgrims and local residents during the Char Dham Yatra remains one of the government’s foremost objectives.
*Parking Construction Completed in Gauchar; Operations to Begin Shortly*
During the inspection, officials informed Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar that the construction work for the parking facility in Gauchar has been completed. This parking facility has a capacity for 27 vehicles, and its construction was executed by the Uttarakhand Drinking Water and Construction Corporation. Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar directed officials to make the parking facility operational as soon as possible so that both local residents and travelers may benefit from it. He emphasized that during the Char Dham Yatra, such small yet significant parking sites play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth flow of traffic.
*Directives Issued to Complete Karnaprayag Parking Facility Before Nanda Rajjat Yatra*
Subsequently, Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar inspected the parking project currently under construction in Karnaprayag. This parking facility is being constructed by the District Level Development Authority, Chamoli. During the inspection, Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar issued instructions to expedite the pace of construction work, directing that the parking facility must be completed under all circumstances before the upcoming Nanda Rajjat Yatra. He stated that a large number of devotees arrive here during the pilgrimage season, and maintaining an adequate parking infrastructure is absolutely essential to ensure smooth traffic management during that time.
*Relief Expected from Two New Parking Facilities in Chamoli*
In this context, Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar inspected the parking facility located near the taxi stand in Chamoli, as well as the parking site situated on the ‘Khadd’ (ravine) side. Officials informed him that the parking facility being constructed near the taxi stand has a capacity for 21 vehicles, while the parking site on the Khadd side will accommodate 82 vehicles. The construction of both these parking sites is being undertaken by the Rural Works Department. Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar directed the concerned department to complete the construction work on a priority basis and with expedition, ensuring that these parking sites can be made operational for devotees and the general public prior to the upcoming Char Dham Yatra.
*New Parking Facilities to be Developed at Congestion Hotspots*
During the inspection, Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar issued key directives to officials, taking into account the increasing traffic pressure on the Char Dham pilgrimage route. He instructed that specific locations along the route—where traffic congestion frequently occurs—be identified. He further directed that suitable land be selected in the vicinity of these identified spots to develop new parking facilities, thereby enabling an effective resolution to the problem of traffic jams on the Char Dham route in the future.
*Statement by Housing Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar*
Housing Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar stated that, under the guidance of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the State Government is continuously working to streamline traffic management along the Char Dham pilgrimage route. He noted that every year, lakhs of devotees arrive in Uttarakhand during the Char Dham Yatra; consequently, a robust system for parking and traffic management becomes absolutely imperative. Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar explained that the parking projects currently being developed in Gauchar, Karnaprayag, and Chamoli will play a pivotal role in improving local traffic management. He added that instructions have been issued to complete these ongoing construction projects within the stipulated deadlines to ensure that travelers do not face any inconvenience during major upcoming events such as the Char Dham Yatra and the Nanda Rajjat pilgrimage. He instructed officials to identify locations along the Char Dham route that are prone to severe traffic congestion and to explore the feasibility of developing new parking facilities at these sites. This will facilitate smoother traffic management in the future.