Uttarakhand seeks ₹750 crore Central aid for Phase-I preparations of Kumbh 2027

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday urged the Centre to grant more than ₹700 crore in assistance as part of preparations for the Haridwar Kumbh 2027. Dhami made the request during a meeting with Union Urban Development Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in Delhi.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister discussed key developmental projects in the state, focusing mainly on preparations for the upcoming Kumbh to be held in Haridwar in January 2027. Dhami sought central support for laying underground power lines in Haridwar, infrastructure development, and traffic improvement in the run-up to the event.

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The Chief Minister also requested early approval of around ₹325 crore for projects related to the development of the Ganga Corridor linking Haridwar and Rishikesh, in view of the upcoming Kumbh 2027.

Dhami urged immediate approval of funds for undergrounding electrical lines and system automation to be undertaken in the first phase of Kumbh preparations. In addition, he sought approval for another ₹425 crore worth of projects to be taken up in the second phase.

The Chief Minister stressed the need for central assistance for the beautification of ghats, strengthening of residential facilities, and development of urban infrastructure in Kumbh areas of the twin cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh. He said these works would ensure better facilities for devotees and tourists visiting the state.

Dhami added that connecting Uttarakhand’s major pilgrimage sites with modern transport networks, such as the Dehradun–Haridwar–Rishikesh Metro Corridor, and extending the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) from Meerut to Haridwar and Rishikesh, would provide fresh momentum to regional economic activity and tourism.

Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar assured full support from the Centre and conveyed a positive intent regarding the proposals presented by the Chief Minister.