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Construction of Pithoragarh Bypass (Chainage 197.175 to Chainage 206.950) including Tunnel on NH-09 in the State of Uttarakhand

Location

The proposed Pithoragarh Bypass is located in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand on National Highway-09. The bypass stretch extends from Chainage 197.175 to Chainage 206.950, bypassing the densely populated and congested Pithoragarh town area. The alignment passes through hilly and mountainous terrain with sharp curves, steep gradients, and forest-influenced stretches, necessitating the provision of tunnel and specialized hill road engineering measures.

Background and Problem Statement

NH-09 is a strategically important national highway providing vital connectivity to the remote border districts of Uttarakhand and facilitating access towards international borders. Pithoragarh town lies directly on the existing alignment of NH-09 and acts as a major administrative, commercial, and transit hub. The existing road passing through the town suffers from severe congestion due to narrow carriageway, dense roadside development, high pedestrian movement, and mixed local and through traffic. Passage of heavy and long-distance traffic through the town results in frequent delays, safety hazards, and environmental issues, while scope for widening within the town is extremely limited.

Project Concept and Need

To address the above challenges, the construction of a dedicated Pithoragarh Bypass, including a tunnel, has been proposed. The project aims to divert through and heavy traffic away from the town, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted flow along NH-09. The inclusion of a tunnel is necessitated by the difficult topography to achieve improved geometry, reduced travel distance, and safer gradients while minimizing environmental and social impacts. The project is essential for enhancing road safety, reducing travel time, and improving the overall efficiency and reliability of the highway corridor.

Key Components and Features

  • Construction of a new bypass road from Chainage 197.175 to Chainage 206.950 on NH-09.
  • Provision of a tunnel to negotiate steep and unstable hilly terrain.
  • Highway development as per applicable IRC and MoRTH standards.
  • Improvement of approach roads and junctions at both ends of the bypass.
  • Drainage works, slope stabilization, retaining and breast walls, and hill protection measures.
  • Road safety features including crash barriers, signage, road markings, and lighting at critical locations.
  • Environmental protection and mitigation measures in forest and eco-sensitive areas.

Beneficiaries and Coverage

The project will benefit:

  • Residents of Pithoragarh town through reduced congestion and improved urban environment.
  • Through traffic, including commercial and strategic vehicles, by providing a safer and faster route.
  • Tourists, pilgrims, and visitors traveling within the Kumaon region.
  • Emergency services and defense-related movement in border areas. The proposed bypass covers a length of approximately 9.775 km on NH-09.

Expected Benefits and Outcomes

  • Significant reduction in travel time and vehicle operating costs.
  • Decongestion of Pithoragarh town and enhancement of road safety.
  • Improved environmental conditions within the town limits.
  • Reliable all-weather connectivity in difficult hilly terrain.
  • Strengthened regional, strategic, and border-area connectivity.

Current Status of the Project

  • Land Acquisition Status: The project is currently at the alignment stage. After approval of the alignment, land acquisition and forest clearance proposals will be initiated

Implementation Plan / Next Steps

  • Approval of the final alignment by the competent authority.
  • Initiation of land acquisition proceedings and forest clearance cases.
  • Simultaneous preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
  • Approval of DPR by MoRTH.
  • Invitation of tenders and award of work for execution.
  • Construction of the bypass and tunnel works in a phased and time-bound manner with due emphasis on safety and environmental safeguards.

Conclusion

The construction of the Pithoragarh Bypass with tunnel on NH-09 will provide a safe, efficient, and resilient highway corridor in the challenging hilly terrain of Uttarakhand. The project will reduce travel time and transportation costs, decongest Pithoragarh town, preserve existing urban structures, and enhance road safety. Overall, the bypass will play a crucial role in supporting regional development, tourism, and strategic connectivity in the border areas of the state.