The nation’s longest heavy vehicle suspension bridge,  the much awaited Dobra-Chanthi bridge, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat in Tehri district on the eve of the state foundation day on Sunday. Inaugurating the bridge, the chief minister said that the 725 metres long heavy vehicle suspension bridge which cost Rs 295.92 crore was being awaited by the residents of the region for the past 14 years. With the bridge being opened for traffic, it will facilitate convenience in transport while also cutting down on travel time. Along with the bridge, the CM also inaugurated and unveiled the foundation stones of various developmental works costing more than Rs 400 crore. These include works amounting to more than Rs 300 crore which were inaugurated and works amounting to more than Rs 100 crore for which the foundation stones were unveiled.

Addressing the large number of locals who had gathered on the occasion, the CM said that the people of Pratapnagar have contributed considerably to national interest due to which irrigation and uninterrupted power supply is being provided up to eastern Uttar Pradesh. Expressing regret at the delay in construction of the bridge, he said that the State government approved a lump sum of Rs 88 crore to expedite the work due to which the bridge could be constructed without further delay. The doors of development have opened today for the people of Pratapnagar even as this bridge will become a source of prosperity for the local populace and coming generations, he added.

The CM further said that the Tehri dam reservoir has the potential to be an attraction for the whole world. “This Tehri lake will also become a centre of adventure tourism and various tourism activities will be initiated around it. This will boost the tourism business and open the way for economic development. With the construction of the Dobra-Chanthi bridge, this area too will become an attraction for tourists. This in turn will also improve the local economy while saving travel time and money of the people,” said the CM. He further stressed that good governance while facilitating corruption-free development and strengthening the health services in Uttarakhand are the top priorities of the state government.

Cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal, State minister for Higher Education, Dhan Singh Rawat, Tehri MP Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah along with various other local public representatives and officials were also present on the occasion.