Dhami meets PM, seeks Rs 3.5k crore aid for Kumbh 2027
Pushkar Singh Dhami
met Prime Minister
Narendra Modi
in New Delhi on Monday and sought financial assistance of Rs 3,500 crore for preparations for the Mahakumbh to be held in Haridwar in 2027.
Dhami informed the PM that initial preparations for the Mahakumbh have already begun. For its successful organisation, key infrastructure upgrades are required, including the repair of bridges, expansion of parking facilities, improvements in electricity and water supply, construction of toilets, transportation networks and pedestrian pathways for pilgrims.
The CM also invited Modi to attend the Nanda Raj Jat Yatra, a pilgrimage scheduled for Aug 2026, and sought Rs 400 crore in central assistance for its organisation.
Seeking support for religious tourism and infrastructure development, Dhami urged the PM to direct relevant ministries to support the Haridwar Ganga Corridor, Rishikesh Ganga Corridor and Sharda Corridor in Champawat, on the lines of the Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham master plans. He also proposed that funding for these projects could be mobilised through corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions.
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Highlighting the state's long-term water security efforts, the CM said, "A preliminary proposal for the Pindar-Kosi link project has been prepared. The project aims to connect the glacier-fed Pindar River to the rain-fed Kosi, Gagas, Gomti and Garud rivers. If implemented, it could benefit around two lakh people across 625 villages in Bageshwar, Almora and Nainital districts by improving irrigation and drinking water availability.
Additionally, towns such as Garud, Kausani, Dwarahat, Ranikhet, and Almora would see an improved water supply for over 1.25 lakh residents." Dhami requested that the project be brought under a special Union govt scheme.
In a bid to boost industrial development, the CM proposed converting the Nepa Farm area in Udham Singh Nagar into a semiconductor manufacturing hub. He requested the PM's support in attracting industry investments for the same.
Dhami also called for the extension of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) from Delhi-Meerut up to Haridwar. He urged the inclusion of new route provisions under the Tanakpur-Bageshwar and Rishikesh-Uttarkashi rail projects.
In the power sector, the CM sought the approval of a Rs 1,015 crore detailed project report (DPR) under the revamped distribution sector scheme (RDSS). The project proposes undergrounding of high-tension (HT) and low-tension (LT) power lines and automation of the power system in Rishikesh and Haridwar.
The CM also apprised Modi about the state govt's efforts to restore Chaurasi Kutiya, the heritage site near Rishikesh associated with the Beatles' visit in 1968, to its original form. He said funding arrangements have been made and sought clearance from the National Board for Wildlife.
Additionally, Dhami requested early approval for five hydropower projects with a total generation capacity of 596 MW, based on the recommendations of a committee headed by the cabinet secretary.
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