A 900-metre tunnel linking the Badrinath and Kedarnath highways has been completed in Rudraprayag, while the Alaknanda bridge is nearing finish. If vehicle trials from August 31 succeed, the new route will ease congestion and streamline the Char Dham Yatra.
A major infrastructure project aimed at improving the Char Dham pilgrimage route is nearing completion in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district, with a 900-metre-long tunnel connecting the Badrinath and Kedarnath highways now completed.
The project, which links the Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway with the Kedarnath National Highway, also includes a 200-metre-long double-lane motor bridge over the Alaknanda River. The construction of the bridge has reached its final stage and vehicle trials are expected to begin from August 31.
Officials said that if the trial runs are successful, the third phase of the Char Dham Yatra will be operated through the newly built tunnel and bridge, providing a smoother route for pilgrims and local residents.
The new tunnel and bridge are expected to bring major relief to travellers heading towards Badrinath and Kedarnath. At present, the Badrinath Highway passing through Rudraprayag market is narrow, often leading to long traffic jams. Once the new route becomes operational, pilgrims will be able to bypass the congested market area through the Jawari bypass and directly proceed towards the two pilgrimage sites.
The project is expected to reduce travel time, ease traffic congestion, and make the Char Dham Yatra safer and more organised.
Rudraprayag District Magistrate Vishal Mishra said the bridge construction is likely to be completed by August 31. After completion, necessary testing and trial procedures will be carried out to check the bridge’s quality, safety, and technical standards.
The District Magistrate said the project is not only aimed at improving traffic movement but is also an important step towards strengthening overall arrangements for the Char Dham Yatra, benefiting thousands of devotees travelling to Badrinath and Kedarnath every year.
