The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has granted technical, administrative and financial approval for the construction of a four?lane Rishikesh bypass on National Highway seven, following sustained efforts by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The project has been sanctioned at Rs 11.06 billion (Rs 11,057.9 mn) and will be executed under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction mode. This bypass is slated to extend for 12.67 km from Teenpani Flyover (km 529.750) to Kharasrote Bridge (km 542.420), passing through the villages of Bhattowala and Dhalwala.

The Ministry indicated that the initial estimated cost stood at Rs 11.51 billion, was later revised to Rs 11.39 billion and has finally been approved at Rs 11.06 billion. The project timeline has been set at three years with no provision for cost or time escalation, and tenders will be invited via an e tendering process in accordance with prescribed guidelines. The Regional Officer in Dehradun will act as the Drawing and Disbursing Officer for the initiative.

The state government highlighted that the bypass is intended to ease frequent traffic jams, reduce congestion and provide convenience to local residents, pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra and visiting tourists. Officials underlined that the development is part of a broader strategy to enhance road connectivity across Uttarakhand and to link remote and urban areas through a robust network.

Funding for the project will be drawn from Government of India budget provisions for the financial year 2025-26 and the Ministry confirmed adherence to standard procurement and construction norms. All work is to follow prescribed technical and environmental guidelines and will be monitored to ensure compliance with the approved scope and schedule.

Once completed, the bypass is expected to improve traffic management in the Rishikesh region substantially and to bolster the state’s economic growth and tourism sector, while providing long term benefits to mobility and local commerce. The authorities have committed to regular updates as the project advances through tendering and construction phases.