Improvement and Strengthening of Gurduari Jamlakhal Charakot (Pauri Devprayag Alternate Road) (Village Road) from Km 13 to Km 20(length 08 km).

Location

The project road is situated in Pauri Garhwal District and passes through hilly terrain connecting Gurdauri, Jamlakhal, Charkot, and Devprayag. The alignment starts near Gurdauri Engineering College and terminates at Devprayag. Total Length: 8.00 km

The land for the project is already available with the Public Works Department as the work involves improvement of an existing road.

Background and Problem Statement

The Gurdauri–Jamlakhal–Charkot–Devprayag Motor Road is an important rural connectivity road serving multiple villages in Pauri Garhwal District. At present, the road section from Km 13 to Km 20 is in unpaved (kutcha) condition , resulting in poor riding quality, restricted vehicular movement, and frequent disruptions, especially during the monsoon season due to waterlogging, surface erosion, and localized slope instability.

Due to inadequate pavement structure, the road remains vulnerable to erosion, water damage, and surface deterioration, causing inconvenience to local residents and limiting access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and markets. The existing condition also prevents the road from effectively functioning as an alternative route during highway closures.

Project Concept and Need

The project is conceived to upgrade the existing kutcha road into an paved motor road through bituminous surfacing and strengthening. The primary objective is to ensure safe, reliable, and uninterrupted connectivity between rural habitations and the district headquarters, Pauri, as well as Devprayag.

The proposed improvement of the road is necessitated due to the following reasons:

To provide all-weather road connectivity to rural habitations located along the alignment
To reduce travel time and distance to Pauri district headquarters and Devprayag
To ensure a reliable alternative route to State Highway SH- 31
To provide an emergency diversion during monsoon-related closures of National Highway NH- 07 , which is prone to landslides during the rainy season.
To improve access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and markets

Upgrading this road is essential for improving regional mobility, disaster resilience, and socio-economic development of the surrounding villages.

Key Components and Features

The project involves comprehensive road improvement and strengthening including Protection, Drainage and Road Safety Measures.

High-Impact Feature:

The road will act as a reliable alternative corridor during emergency and monsoon conditions, significantly improving disaster preparedness and response capacity in the region.

Beneficiaries and Coverage

The direct beneficiaries of the project include residents of 14 villages located along and near the alignment, with an approximate population of 1,462 persons. Improved road connectivity will result in better mobility, reduced transportation costs, and improved quality of life for the rural population. Major beneficiary villages include: Jamlakhal (360), Charakot (163), Pundal Gunth (74), Kanda (14), Khadet Talla (54), Pokhari (20), Kothi Gunth (277), Thapli (104), Bhatt Gaon (29), Sainj (47), Balmana (193), Gorth (35), Khadet Malla (41), Chamrada (51).

In addition to local residents, commuters travelling between Pauri, Devprayag, and Srinagar will also benefit from improved connectivity.

Expected Benefits and Outcomes

Improved Connectivity and Distance Reduction:

Reduction of 10 km in travel distance to Pauri compared to SH- 31
Reduction of approximately 23 km in emergency travel to Srinagar
Relevance to Char Dham Yatra Infrastructure:The Gurdauri–Jamlakhal– Charkot– Devprayag Motor Road forms an important en-routing and diversionary link for the Char Dham Yatra , particularly for pilgrims travelling towards Badrinath and Kedarnath via Devprayag .During peak pilgrimage seasons, as well as during congestion, traffic regulation, or disruption on National Highways due to landslides or adverse weather conditions, this road will function as a reliable alternate corridor , helping to decongest primary Char Dham routes. Strengthening and paving of this road will support safe, uninterrupted, and efficient movement of pilgrimage traffic , thereby contributing to improved Char Dham Yatra management, enhanced disaster resilience, and fulfillment of national religious tourism objectives.
Economic Benefits: Reduced fuel consumption and vehicle maintenance costs
Safety: Improved road geometry and protective works enhancing commuter safety
Social Development: Better access to healthcare, education, and markets

Current Status of the Project

Proposal and detailed estimate for ₹720.00 lakh prepared as per departmental norms

Implementation Plan / Next Steps

Upon receipt of Administrative Approval and Financial Sanction , the project shall be taken up for execution through the standard tendering process. The proposed construction period is 12 months from the date of commencement.

Conclusion

The proposed bituminous surfacing and paving of the Gurdauri–Jamlakhal–Charkot–Devprayag Motor Road is a high-priority rural infrastructure project. By upgrading this critical link, the project will significantly enhance regional connectivity, improve disaster resilience, and support the socio-economic development of Pauri Garhwal District. The project represents a cost-effective and strategic investment in sustainable rural road infrastructure.