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Construction of 2 lane Highway Tunnel including Approaches to bypass pauri town on Kotdwar-Satpuli-Pauri-Srinagar road of NH-534(119) in the state of Uttarakhand.

Location

The project is located in Pauri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand, near Pauri town along National Highway 534/309 (Old NH-119). It falls under the Pauri Legislative Assembly and Pauri Garhwal Lok Sabha constituencies.

Background and Problem Statement

NH-534/309 (Old NH-119) is a key highway linking Uttar Pradesh to Uttarakhand, passing through Kotdwar, Satpuli, Buwakhal, and Pauri town, continuing to Srinagar. It supports heavy traffic, including pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra and Shri Hemkund Sahib Yatra.

  • The section from Km 196.00 to Km 232.00 has been widened to a two-lane road, but the stretch through Pauri town cannot be expanded without demolishing existing structures.
  • Road expansion on the hillside is not feasible.
  • Tunnel bypass is the most economical and efficient solution, minimizing disruption, reducing travel length, and enhancing safety.

Project Concept and Need

The project aims to bypass Pauri town to:

  • Reduce travel distance and time.
  • Avoid demolition of existing structures.
  • Ensure safe, seamless connectivity for local traffic and pilgrims.
  • Support tourism and regional economic growth.

Key Components and Features

The proposed project has a design length of 2.094 km and is configured as a two-lane facility with a modified twin-tube tunnel designed for a speed of 60 kmph. The project includes approach roads on both sides, with P1 (Dobliya Talla) having approach lengths of 242.26 m and 3,623.10 m, and P2 (Chandola Rai Khalsa) having approach lengths of 122.09 m and 152.61 m. The estimated project cost is approximately ₹662.83 crore.

Beneficiaries and Coverage

  • Pilgrims visiting Char Dham and Shri Hemkund Sahib.
  • Local villagers traveling between Kotdwar, Satpuli, and Srinagar.
  • Post-completion, traffic will bypass Pauri town, saving travel time and reducing vehicle operating costs.

Expected Benefits and Outcomes

  • Reduced travel time and vehicle operating costs.
  • Minimized impact on town structures and environment.
  • Enhanced connectivity for tourism and strategic routes.
  • Economically efficient solution compared to alternative widening options.

Current Status of the Project

Project is in alignment stage. after approval of alignment Land acquisition and forest case taken up.

Implementation Plan / Next Steps

After approval of the alignment, land acquisition and forest clearance cases will be taken up. Simultaneously, preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be initiated. After approval of the DPR, tenders will be invited for execution of the construction works.

Conclusion

The Pauri town bypass with a modified twin tunnel will:

  • Reduce travel time and costs for pilgrims and local residents.
  • Preserve existing town structures.
  • Provide a safe and efficient highway corridor, supporting regional tourism and strategic connectivity.