PIONEER NEWS NETWORK/ Dehradun
In what can be termed as a major relief for the residents of Kotdwar and those visiting the city known as the entrance of Garhwal, the important bridge on Malan river became operational again on Monday. The bridge was damaged by flash floods on July 13, 2023. The 325-metre span bridge has been constructed at a cost of Rs 26.75 crore. The bridge was inaugurated by chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in a virtual mode while Assembly speaker Ritu Khanduri attended the ceremony in Kotdwar.
Addressing the public meeting, Dhami said that the reconstruction of Malan bridge is a symbol of the commitment of the State government, under which the infrastructure is being strengthened in the remote areas of the state. With the opening of this bridge, Kotdwar and surrounding rural areas will get convenience in transportation and economic activities will get a boost, he said.
He said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the infrastructure related to education, health, drinking water, road, rail and air connectivity is being strengthened in the State. The CM averred that many important schemes are also being worked on for the development of Kotdwar. He said that the construction of a state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant is going on in Kotdwar at a cost of Rs 135 crore under Namami Gange project. A four-lane bypass and Kotdwar-Najibabad double lane road are also being constructed in Kotdwar at a cost of Rs 691 crore. The CM added that the Kotdwar-Pauri-Srinagar road is also being upgraded to a double lane. This will provide convenience to the passengers and will accelerate economic activities.
Dhami said that Kotdwar railway station is being renovated under the Amrit Bharat station scheme. He said that a new train service from Kotdwar to Delhi has also started and construction of a hospital and bus stand terminal is also in progress in the city. He said that for the construction of Kendriya Vidyalaya in Kotdwar, a proposal has been brought in the cabinet and land has been transferred for the school.
In her address Vidhan Sabha speaker, Khanduri said that with the support of CM, many development works are going on in Kotdwar. She complimented the authorities for completing the construction of the Malan bridge.
The Kotdwar mayor Shailendra Singh Rawat, BJP district president RG Nautiyal, Pauri district magistrate Ashish Chauhan and others attended the ceremony.
The CM also laid foundation stones of six other projects in the area.
