Under the guidance of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, concrete and continuous steps are being taken in Uttarakhand towards the development of modern and robust infrastructure. In line with this initiative, a high-level deliberation was held regarding the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP)-2024, aimed at developing the state’s most significant religious, tourism, and administrative corridor—comprising Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh—to meet future requirements. Presided over by Housing Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar, this pivotal meeting took place at the State Secretariat, where strategies to render the entire corridor’s transportation system modern, streamlined, and eco-friendly were discussed in detail.
The meeting commenced with a presentation by M/s UMTC on the updated proposals for CMP-2024, which outlined in detail the existing traffic challenges within the Dehradun (Dehradun City, Vikasnagar, Rishikesh) and Haridwar (Haridwar City, Roorkee, Bhagwanpur) regions, along with their proposed solutions. Subsequently, officials from various departments engaged in in-depth deliberations regarding the technical, social, and economic facets of the plan. The Housing Secretary issued directives mandating the mandatory incorporation of all CMP proposals into their respective Master Plans, thereby ensuring that urban transportation becomes more effective and organized in the future. He further emphasized that the concept of an integrated transportation system must remain at the core of all future developmental schemes.
*Addressing Growing Traffic Congestion: Ensuring a Hassle-Free Commute for the Public*
The Dehradun–Haridwar–Rishikesh corridor has currently emerged as the busiest region in the state. The expansion of industrial zones such as SIDCUL, rapid urbanization, and a surge in tourism activities have led to a continuous escalation in traffic pressure within this area. Issues such as traffic congestion during peak hours, haphazard parking, limited road capacity, and a dearth of public transportation options continue to pose significant challenges for the general public. CMP-2024 offers a long-term and effective solution to these challenges, promising much-needed relief to the common citizen. Under this plan, special emphasis has been placed on making the transportation system people-centric, safe, and sustainable. Several concrete measures have been proposed to strengthen public transportation, reduce dependence on private vehicles, and develop improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. This will not only enhance the traffic management system but also promote environmental conservation and lead to a reduction in pollution levels.
*E-BRTS, Ropeways, and Smart Traffic Systems to Transform the Corridor’s Landscape*
Under the CMP-2024, several ambitious projects have been proposed that possess the potential to completely transform the landscape of this entire corridor. There is a plan to develop an approximately 73-kilometer-long E-BRTS (Electric Bus Rapid Transit System) connecting Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh, which will make commuting between these three cities faster, safer, and more convenient. Additionally, there is a proposal to implement a Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system in Haridwar, which is specifically intended to give a new direction to religious tourism. The development of ropeway projects for religious and tourist sites is also a key component of this plan; this will alleviate traffic congestion and provide travelers with an enhanced experience. Furthermore, emphasis has been placed on the implementation of Smart Traffic Management Systems (ITS), modern signaling, parking management, and the construction of bypass roads. Through Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), the integrated development of cities will be ensured, thereby fostering better synergy between transportation and urban lifestyles.
*Major Relief Expected During Events Like Kanwar and Kumbh*
Experts believe that the implementation of CMP-2024 will lead to significant improvements in traffic management during major religious events such as the Kanwar Mela and the Kumbh Mela. The annual arrival of hundreds of thousands of devotees places immense pressure on this corridor; however, following the implementation of the new plan, traffic flow is expected to become smoother, more organized, and safer. This will ensure better amenities for devotees and simplify the task of managing logistics for the administration. Overall, this plan reflects the development-oriented and visionary outlook of the Dhami government—an outlook that is poised to play a pivotal role in establishing Uttarakhand as a modern, well-organized, and eco-friendly state. The meeting was attended by several senior officials, including Brijesh Kumar Mishra (Managing Director, Uttarakhand Metro Rail Corporation), Sanjeev Mehta (Director of Finance), and Sanjay G. Pathak (General Manager, Civil). All participants emphasized the effective implementation of CMP-2024, describing it as crucial for the future of the state.
*The Government’s Visionary Outlook: Giving New Momentum to Development*
Housing Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar stated that, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the state government is continuously working to develop Uttarakhand’s key urban areas in alignment with future requirements. CMP-2024 represents a significant initiative in this direction, placing special emphasis on an integrated and modern transportation system. Our objective is to make commuting between Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh safer, more convenient, and time-efficient. Initiatives such as e-BRTS (Electric Bus Rapid Transit System), ropeways, smart traffic management, and Transit-Oriented Development will not only resolve traffic-related challenges but also provide fresh impetus to the state’s tourism and economic growth. In the times to come, this corridor is set to emerge as a model for other states across the country
