In a significant announcement made during a pre-budget meeting with industrialists, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday (January 21) announced that the airports in Dehradun and Pantnagar would soon attain international status. 

Jolly Grant in Dehradun and Pantnagar in Udham Singh Nagar are pivotal airports for the state, with Jolly Grant being the primary airport and the nearest gateway to the picturesque town of Mussoorie, while Pantnagar serves as the closest airport to the serene Nainital.

Airport expansion a top priority

CM Dhami underscored his government’s commitment to prioritising airport expansion, aiming to transform both Jolly Grant and Pantnagar into international-level airports. “The Uttarakhand government is removing the obstacles that are in the way of the expansion of both airports as a priority,” he said. This move is expected to enhance connectivity and boost tourism, opening up new avenues for economic growth in the state.

New township near Dehradun

In addition to the airport expansion plans, Dhami also revealed an ambitious vision for the development of a new township near Dehradun. The township is set to be established in Haripur, near Kalsi in the Dehradun district, equipped with modern facilities to cater to the needs of the residents. This development aligns with the government’s broader agenda of creating sustainable urban infrastructure to support the state’s growing population.

Border Roads Organisation’s infrastructure projects

The announcement followed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s inauguration of 35 infrastructure projects by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in Joshimath, Chamoli district. The projects, including six roads and 29 bridges spanning seven states, were completed at a cost of Rs 670 crore. Singh commended the timely completion of these projects, attributing it to the unwavering commitment of the BRO.

The chief minister, echoing the sentiments of Rajnath Singh, acknowledged the significance of these infrastructure projects initiated under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He emphasised that projects like the Chardham All Weather Road, Rishikesh-Karnprayag Railway Line, Frontier Area Development Project, and Mountain Range are crucial not only for development but also for the strategic, religious, and environmental importance they hold for the state.

“Schemes like Chardham All Weather Road, Rishikesh-Karnprayag Railway Line, Frontier Area Development Project and Mountain Range are important from the point of view of development as well as security,” he said.

Uttarakhand’s path to progress

Highlighting the proactive approach of the government, Dhami stated, “To make Uttarakhand the best state in the country, the state government is working with full determination and without any option.” He affirmed the commitment to rapid advancement in development work, guided by the vision of PM Modi.