The Uttarakhand Public Works Department (PWD) has announced a comprehensive plan to strengthen 235 bridges on state highways across nine districts, at an estimated cost of INR 1,640 crore. Scheduled to commence in July 2026 with support from the Asian Development Bank, the initiative aims to enhance load-bearing capacity, improve safety, and ensure resilience along key civilian, defence, and tourist routes.
Officials noted that out of 585 bridges surveyed across 103 state highways, only 111 currently meet class A standards, which accommodate heavier loads. Most remaining structures fall under class B restrictions, limiting traffic capacity. The upgrades will enable bridges to handle modern commercial vehicles and military transport while widening narrow sections and stabilising landslide-prone stretches. “Many of these bridges are decades old and face pressure from rising traffic, tourism, and local commerce,” an official said. “Strengthening these structures ensures safer, more reliable connectivity and supports strategic defence movement along border districts.”
The programme prioritises bridges on routes critical for pilgrimage, tourism, and commercial activity, including seven major corridors spanning the state’s hilly terrain. Structural reinforcements will adhere to Indian Road Congress and current Indian Standards, ensuring long-term durability and resilience against natural hazards. By improving load capacity and widening narrow bridges, the project also addresses traffic bottlenecks, reducing congestion and supporting more efficient transit. Industry experts highlighted the broader economic impact, noting that robust transport infrastructure is essential for Uttarakhand’s growing tourism and trade sectors. “Upgrading these bridges not only safeguards public safety but also enables smoother movement of goods and people, bolstering regional economic development,” a civil infrastructure analyst said.
The initiative further underscores the state’s focus on sustainable infrastructure. By reinforcing existing structures rather than constructing entirely new bridges, the programme reduces environmental disturbance while extending asset life cycles. Additionally, the project is expected to incorporate improved drainage and erosion control measures to mitigate landslide risks in vulnerable areas. With the work projected to span multiple years, the PWD emphasised phased execution to minimise disruption for commuters and local businesses. The strategic investment signals a long-term commitment to resilient and safe transportation networks, supporting Uttarakhand’s mobility, economic growth, and climate-adaptive urban planning.
Uttarakhand PWD To Upgrade Two Hundred Thirty Five Highway Bridges For Heavy Loads
