The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) of the Indian Army has launched plans for the construction of a 4 km-long double-lane road in Uttarkashi district that will connect to the Gangotri national highway. This project is designed to create a bypass for a challenging 21-km section of the highway at Sukki Top, known for its steep gradients that often pose difficulties for vehicles travelling in the region.

The proposed bypass road is anticipated to bring several advantages, which include:

1. Reduced Distance to Gangotri Shrine: Once completed, the road will trim approximately 10 km off the journey to the Gangotri shrine, one of the Char Dhams, making the pilgrimage more accessible for devotees.

2. Enhanced Connectivity: The new road will improve connectivity in the area, ensuring smoother movement for military convoys heading towards the India-China border in the Nelong Valley region.

As per BRO commandant Vivek Shrivastav, the plan for constructing this bypass route has been finalised following a recent survey. Currently, a detailed project report (DPR) is under development, and construction is slated to begin in the coming year. This project will be an integral component of the broader Char Dham all-weather road project, which seeks to enhance infrastructure and connectivity in Uttarakhand.