Construction of a 36-meter Span Bridge to Replace a Damaged Bridge at Chainage 7.700 of the Badethi-Tekhla (Uttarkashi Bypass) Motor Road.

Location

The project is situated at Chainage 7.700 on the Badethi-Tekhla state highway in District Uttarkashi.

Background and Problem Statement

The previous 11-meter span RCC bridge at this location was completely washed away during a severe flood on July 18, 2021. Currently, traffic is being managed through a temporary, unpaved causeway. This bypass road, with a total length of 9.55 km, is critical for managing traffic flow around Uttarkashi town. However, during the monsoon season, the causeway site is prone to blockage from heavy debris and boulders, which shuts down the bypass and leads to major traffic congestion within Uttarkashi town, severely impacting the Char Dham Yatra.

Project Concept and Need

The project is designed to provide a permanent, all-weather crossing on the Uttarkashi Bypass. The primary objective is to construct a new 36-meter span bridge that can withstand floods and prevent road closures caused by debris flow. This will ensure the bypass remains operational year-round, which is essential for traffic management and for the smooth passage of pilgrimage traffic.

Key Components and Features

The main component is the construction of a new 36-meter span bridge. Its design is a direct response to the hydraulic challenges of the location, offering greater resilience against floods. A key feature of this project is its role in urban traffic decongestion, allowing vehicles from the Gangotri route to bypass the main town, thus reducing travel time and pollution within Uttarkashi.

Beneficiaries and Coverage

The project will benefit pilgrims traveling to and from Gangotri, residents of Uttarkashi town, and commercial and transport operators who use the bypass. It effectively serves all traffic aiming to avoid the congested internal roads of Uttarkashi.

Expected Benefits and Outcomes

The most significant outcome will be the improved traffic management in Uttarkashi, especially during the peak pilgrimage season. By diverting traffic coming from Gangotri via the bypass, the project will ensure a smoother Char Dham Yatra. It will also enhance the reliability and safety of the local road network, preventing the isolation of the route during monsoons.

Current Status of the Project

Approved under the Chief Minister's announcements (No. 317/2021), the project has received its first-phase administrative and financial sanction of ₹34.08 lakh on November 12, 2021. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is prepared and awaiting final vetting by the PWD Design Cell, Dehradun. Land acquisition proceedings for the affected areas are in progress at the Division level.

Implementation Plan / Next Steps

Following the finalization of the DPR and completion of the land acquisition process, the project will proceed to the tendering stage for the selection of a contractor and subsequent construction.

Conclusion

The construction of the Uttarkashi Bypass bridge is a critical infrastructure upgrade. It will create a reliable, all-weather route that is essential for decongesting Uttarkashi town and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of pilgrimage traffic. This project will significantly contribute to the efficiency and safety of the regional transportation network.

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