Widening Two Lane of NH-107A from Chamoli – Chopta – Kund Section in the State of Uttarakhand.
Location
The proposed project stretch is located on NH-107A in District Chamoli and Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand. The alignment connects Chamoli to Kund via Chopta, forming an important hill corridor linking NH-7 (Badrinath Highway) to NH-107 and providing connectivity towards Kedarnath region.
Background and Problem Statement
The existing Chamoli–Chopta–Kund stretch is presently a narrow intermediate lane/single-lane hill road with sharp curves, steep gradients, and inadequate pavement width. The corridor experiences seasonal tourism traffic towards Chopta (popularly known as “Mini Switzerland”), Tungnath Temple, and acts as an alternate route to Kedarnath. Increasing vehicular movement, especially during pilgrimage and tourist seasons, has led to congestion, safety risks, and travel delays. The existing roadway geometry and limited carriageway width are insufficient to safely accommodate growing traffic demand.
Project Concept and Need
The project envisages widening and upgradation of the existing road to two-lane standards with paved shoulders as per hill road specifications. The need arises from increasing tourism, strategic inter-district connectivity requirements, and the necessity to provide a safer and more reliable alternate route between Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts. Capacity enhancement and geometric improvements are essential to ensure year-round connectivity and improved traffic operations in this mountainous terrain.
Key Components and Features
The project includes widening of carriageway to two-lane configuration with paved shoulders, geometric improvement of sharp curves, gradient correction where feasible, slope stabilization and protection works, retaining walls and breast walls, drainage and cross-drainage structures, pavement strengthening, installation of crash barriers, parapets, road signage and markings, snow clearance considerations in higher reaches, and necessary hill protection measures.
Beneficiaries and Coverage
The project will benefit residents of Chamoli, Chopta, Kund, and surrounding villages. It will significantly support pilgrims visiting Tungnath and Kedarnath regions, boost tourism activities, and facilitate movement of local agricultural produce and essential supplies. The improved corridor will serve as an important inter-district connectivity link within Garhwal region.
Expected Benefits and Outcomes
The upgradation to two-lane standard will enhance road safety, reduce travel time, and improve riding quality. It will promote tourism, strengthen local economy, ensure better emergency and disaster response connectivity, and provide a dependable alternate route during disruptions on primary highways. The project will contribute to overall socio-economic development of the region.
Implementation Plan / Next Steps
The next steps include preparation/approval of Detailed Project Report (DPR), detailed topographical and geotechnical investigations, traffic assessment, land acquisition wherever required, forest and environmental clearances, approval of cost estimates, tendering and award of work. Construction will be executed with due consideration to hill road engineering practices and environmental safeguards.
Conclusion
The widening and upgradation of NH-107A from Chamoli to Kund via Chopta is a strategically important infrastructure project aimed at improving safety, connectivity, and tourism potential in the Garhwal region. The project will ensure enhanced mobility, regional development, and resilient transportation infrastructure in Uttarakhand.
Figure: Location Map
