Supreme Court allows widening of three hill stretches in Uttarakhand
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Supreme Court allows widening of three hill stretches in Uttarakhand

The Supreme Court has allowed the widening of the three hill stretches in Uttarakhand, including Rishikesh to Mana, Rishikesh to Gangotri, and Tanakpur to Pithoragarh, which forms a part of Chardham Mahamarg Vikas Pariyojna.

The road widening will be a Double Line-Paved Shoulder (DL-PS), having a 10 m width as suggested by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

The Bench has modified the court's order to stick to the 2018 circular on the width of the roads. The 2018 circular suggests a width of 5.5 m for the carriageway.

The Bench members said that MoRTH and the Ministry of Defense (MoD) could proceed with the execution of the project, subject to the condition that it addressed all environmental concerns flagged by the High Powered Committee (HPC). It has set up an Oversight Committee to oversee the implementation of the HPC's suggestions.

The 2020 circular was issued by MoRTH with the recommendations of MoD. The court is required to oversee the modalities decided upon by the Army and the MoD to safeguard the security of India's borders and interrogate the policy entrusted by the law with the defense of the nation.

The central government has moved the court, saying that there has been a material change in the circumstances, necessitating an improvement of roads to enable the movement of troops and equipment to the army station on the India-China border.

The 2012 and 2018 circulars of MoRTH do not address the issue of the strategic border roads. The construction of a highway on the strategic roads for defense used by the Armed Forces cannot be the same as other roads in hilly and mountain regions. These roads require environmental considerations, especially in the areas of the strategic border for the security of the nation.

As per the judgment, HPC members might disagree on road widening. They agreed on other environmental issues in which the road project was implemented by MoRTH.

The Bench said that benefits to the armed forces are crucial, but environmental health is also an important factor for all the individuals residing in that area.

Image Source

The Supreme Court has allowed the widening of the three hill stretches in Uttarakhand, including Rishikesh to Mana, Rishikesh to Gangotri, and Tanakpur to Pithoragarh, which forms a part of Chardham Mahamarg Vikas Pariyojna. The road widening will be a Double Line-Paved Shoulder (DL-PS), having a 10 m width as suggested by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). The Bench has modified the court's order to stick to the 2018 circular on the width of the roads. The 2018 circular suggests a width of 5.5 m for the carriageway. The Bench members said that MoRTH and the Ministry of Defense (MoD) could proceed with the execution of the project, subject to the condition that it addressed all environmental concerns flagged by the High Powered Committee (HPC). It has set up an Oversight Committee to oversee the implementation of the HPC's suggestions. The 2020 circular was issued by MoRTH with the recommendations of MoD. The court is required to oversee the modalities decided upon by the Army and the MoD to safeguard the security of India's borders and interrogate the policy entrusted by the law with the defense of the nation. The central government has moved the court, saying that there has been a material change in the circumstances, necessitating an improvement of roads to enable the movement of troops and equipment to the army station on the India-China border. The 2012 and 2018 circulars of MoRTH do not address the issue of the strategic border roads. The construction of a highway on the strategic roads for defense used by the Armed Forces cannot be the same as other roads in hilly and mountain regions. These roads require environmental considerations, especially in the areas of the strategic border for the security of the nation. As per the judgment, HPC members might disagree on road widening. They agreed on other environmental issues in which the road project was implemented by MoRTH. The Bench said that benefits to the armed forces are crucial, but environmental health is also an important factor for all the individuals residing in that area. Image Source

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India To Invest $37 Billion To Boost Petrochemical Capacity

India is set to become a major global player in the petrochemicals industry, driven by a planned capital expenditure of $37 billion (Rs 3.1 trillion) aimed at reducing import dependency and enhancing self-sufficiency, according to S&P Global Ratings.In its latest report titled “First China, Now India: Self-Sufficiency Goals Will Add To Petrochemicals Supply”, S&P said India’s large-scale capacity expansion—mirroring China’s earlier push—will likely intensify oversupply pressures in Asia’s petrochemical markets.Currently the world’s third-largest petrochemical consumer a..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Indian Railways Expands Global Exports Of Rail Equipment

Indian Railways has announced that it is rapidly emerging as a global exporter of railway equipment, including bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems, under the government’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative.According to an official statement, India’s railway products are now reaching over 16 international markets, reflecting the country’s growing capacity to design, develop, and deliver world-class rail solutions.Metro coaches have been exported to Australia and Canada; bogies to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia; propulsion systems t..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

RailTel Awards Rs 163 Million Contract To RTNS Technology

RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Undertaking, has awarded a domestic work order worth Rs 163 million to RTNS Technology Private Limited.The contract, issued on 30 September 2025, involves the supply and installation of equipment and related services for one of RailTel’s key customers. The project underscores RailTel’s commitment to advancing technology and communication infrastructure through collaboration with domestic system integrators.RTNS Technology Private Limited, an ISO-certified system integrator, provides comprehensive solutions for perim..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?