Improvemnt and Strengthening of the Remaining Section of Damta-Kandari-Sarigad Motor Road (MDR) in District Uttarkashi.
Location
This project is located in the Naugaon development block of the Purola constituency, District Uttarkashi. The road serves as an alternative to National Highway 123 (507), connecting several villages between Damta and Sarigad.
Background and Problem Statement
The Damta- Kandari- Sarigad road is a Main District Road that connects over 25 villages in the Godar region. It provides a vital link for communities in Damta, Matla, Kandi, Diyadi, and others. However, a crucial section of this road, from Km 20 to Km 22, remains unpaved (kaccha). This unpaved stretch is accident-prone and becomes difficult to traverse during the monsoon season, requiring significant annual expenditure just to keep it operational. This poor condition hinders the ability of local farmers to transport their produce to market.
Project Concept and Need
The project aims to upgrade the entire Damta- Kandari- Sarigad road to a uniform, all-weather standard. The objective is to carry out Bituminous (paving) and strengthening works on the remaining unpaved sections. This will eliminate the hazardous conditions, ensure year-round accessibility, and reduce maintenance costs.
Key Components and Features
The project work includes the asphalting and strengthening of a 3-kilometer section (from Km 20 to Km 22) of the motor road. A key feature of this project is its economic impact, as it will provide farmers from 25 villages with reliable access to markets for their cash crops, thereby improving their livelihoods.
Beneficiaries and Coverage
The project will directly benefit the populations of 25 villages in the Godar region. This includes farmers, students, and all local commuters who rely on this road for daily travel.
Expected Benefits and Outcomes
The primary benefit will be improved transportation and connectivity for the residents of the Godar region. Paving the road will make travel safer and faster. It will significantly boost the local economy by enabling farmers to transport their cash crops and other local products to the main markets efficiently. The project will also improve access to essential services like education and healthcare for the villagers.
Current Status of the Project
An estimate for the project, amounting to ₹263.55 lakh (EDPR No. 2292), was prepared on October 9, 2025. It has been submitted to the state government and is awaiting administrative and financial approval.
Implementation Plan / Next Steps
The next step is to obtain the necessary administrative and financial sanction from the government. Following the approval, the project will be tendered for execution.
Conclusion
This road improvement project is vital for the socio-economic development of the Godar region. By providing a safe, all-weather road, it will connect thousands of residents to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities, fostering economic growth and improving the overall quality of life in the area.
Figure 1: Location Map
Site Photographs
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