Uttarakhand CM Dhami: Decades-old projects revived under Modi since 2014
Synopsis
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami says the Modi government has done what decades of predecessors could not — moved long-frozen projects like the Kishau Multipurpose Dam and the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail line from paper to progress. The Kishau breakthrough, backed by a 90:10 Centre-state funding formula and an ₹1,500 crore interest-free loan, is the clearest signal yet of a shift from announcement to execution.
Key Takeaways
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami on 18 June credited the Modi government with reviving major stalled projects since 2014 .
The Kishau Multipurpose Project , a joint venture with Himachal Pradesh , has achieved stakeholder consensus and is set for implementation.
Project funding is structured at a 90:10 ratio — Centre bears 90% ; state's power-component share covered by an approx. ₹1,500 crore interest-free loan.
Progress also reported on the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Project , All-Weather Road Project , and the Lakhwar , Jamrani , and Song Dam projects.
Dhami assured candidates of a transparent, irregularity-free examination process with free travel arrangements.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday, 18 June credited the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre with unlocking several major infrastructure and water resource projects in the state that had remained stalled for decades. Speaking in Dehradun, Dhami said the momentum gained since 2014 has transformed the state's development landscape across connectivity, hydropower, and irrigation.
Key Infrastructure Projects Gaining Ground
Dhami highlighted substantial progress on the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Project and the All-Weather Road Project, both of which are critical to improving year-round connectivity in the mountainous state. Airport expansion across Uttarakhand and several other connectivity-linked schemes were also cited as beneficiaries of renewed Central focus.
The Chief Minister further pointed to advances in long-stalled hydroelectric and irrigation projects, specifically naming the Lakhwar, Jamrani, and Song Dam projects as having seen renewed momentum under the current dispensation.
Kishau Multipurpose Project: A Consensus Finally Reached
Among the developments Dhami underscored was the Kishau Multipurpose Project, a joint venture of national importance between Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. He said a consensus has now been reached among all stakeholders, clearing the path for implementation after years of deliberation.
'The Kishau Project will provide Uttarakhand with adequate water for irrigation and drinking purposes, while also generating substantial electricity,' Dhami said, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Home Minister for facilitating the breakthrough.
The project's financial structure has been fixed at a 90:10 ratio, with the Central government bearing 90 per cent of the expenditure. The state's 10 per cent share of the power component will be funded through an approximately ₹1,500 crore interest-free government loan.
Exam Transparency Drive
Dhami also addressed upcoming state examinations, assuring candidates of a fair process. 'We have made travel free for the candidates. Our aim is that every student appears for the examination with confidence,' he said, adding that a meeting was held with officials, the police department, and other concerned authorities to ensure complete transparency.
The Chief Minister asserted that the government is continuously monitoring arrangements and that there is no possibility of any irregularities, urging aspirants to focus on their preparations.
What Comes Next
With the Kishau Project consensus in place and rail and road projects progressing, Uttarakhand's infrastructure pipeline is set to enter an active execution phase. The state's ability to translate approvals and financial frameworks into on-ground delivery will be the defining test in the months ahead.
Point of View
Kishau, Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail — have been 'revived' in official statements across multiple governments. The 90:10 funding structure for Kishau is a meaningful concession by the Centre, but financial frameworks and stakeholder consensus have existed before without translating into ground-level progress. The real measure will be construction timelines and disbursement records, not announcements. Uttarakhand's development narrative has long been rich in inaugurations and short on completions.
NationPress
4 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kishau Multipurpose Project?
The Kishau Multipurpose Project is a joint hydroelectric and irrigation dam project between Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, considered a venture of national importance. A stakeholder consensus has now been reached, clearing the way for implementation after years of deliberation.
How will the Kishau Project be funded?
The project follows a 90:10 funding ratio, with the Central government bearing 90 per cent of costs. The state government's share of the power component will be covered by an approximately ₹1,500 crore interest-free government loan.
Which infrastructure projects in Uttarakhand have gained momentum since 2014?
According to CM Dhami, key projects include the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Project, the All-Weather Road Project, airport expansions, and hydroelectric and irrigation schemes such as the Lakhwar, Jamrani, Song Dam, and Kishau projects.
What did CM Dhami say about state examinations?
Dhami assured that upcoming state examinations will be conducted with full transparency, with travel made free for candidates. He said a coordination meeting was held with officials and the police to prevent any irregularities.
Why does the Kishau Project matter for Uttarakhand?
The Kishau Project is expected to provide Uttarakhand with water for irrigation and drinking, while also generating significant electricity — addressing two critical resource needs for the hill state.
