If everything goes as per the department’s plans, the problem of traffic congestion on the Char Dham Yatra route would be easily overcome with the commissioning of the Tanbakhani tunnel in Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand. The tunnel would be extremely beneficial for those pilgrims who undertake the Gangotri shrine visit when the season starts in the next month besides, residents would be also benefited.
Since the flow of pilgrims to Char Dham Yatra between April and June is maximum, the long bumper-to-bumper traffic jams of four-wheelers are easily noticeable on the Yatra route. Besides, the problem of landslides, too, increases the problem of pilgrims due to road blockage along the Yatra route.
After understanding the plight of the pilgrims, the Yamuna Construction Division has taken a decision to complete the work of tunnel in Uttarkashi district for overcoming the problem of traffic congestion along Yatra route.
Well-established sources revealed that the 358-metre long tunnel would be declared open in another four to six months after completing the work of lining, grouting, side-drain, lighting, pavement and railing in the near future. Well reliable sources revealed that some part of under-construction tunnel was damaged after experiencing rough weather in August, last year. Out of the sanctioned fund of Rs13.22 crore for the tunnel, Rs9.5 crore has been already released for completing the project in the given time frame.
One of the department sources who wished anonymity told The Pioneer that tunnel would be declared open in the near future after completing pending construction works in the near future. “With the restriction of mining in the river beds by the State Government, it has turned little difficult to collect construction materials including boulders, pebbles, sand etc.,” he said.
Nestled in the magnificent splendid Garhwal hills, Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines are most visited shrines by the pilgrims, who throng across the country to Uttarakhand when season starts during summer.
Besides, snow clad mountains and lush green forests also attract residents for recuperating from their illness. Since the flow of traffic increases manifold during Char Dham Yatra season, couple of government departments strives consistently for maintaining smooth flow of traffic on Char Dham Yatra route. The monsoon seasons is least preferred by pilgrims because of landslides thus, flow of pilgrims normally increases manifold during summer causing traffic congestion along Yatra route.