The network in Uttarakhand stretching up to 890 km will connect the four shrines of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.

New national highways connecting the four shrines of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri would be constructed in Uttarakhand, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced in Haridwar on Monday.

Speaking at the 20th foundation day ceremony of Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev’s Haridwar-based Patanjali Yogpeeth (Trust), Mr. Gadkari said, “A proposal to connect the four shrines by constructing new national highways is being developed. The network would cover 890 kilometres and the Centre would release Rs. 13,000 crore for the project.”

A detailed report of the project, which Mr Gadkari called the “Char Dham Project,” shall be submitted by to the Union Transport Ministry in January, this year, and the work on the project would start by July this year, Mr Gadkari said.

Every year, during the monsoon season, the roads across the State, especially the Char Dham routes, get damaged, affecting the tourist inflow to the State.

“The roads that currently connect the Char Dham were constructed near the rivers and get damaged during flash floods in the monsoon season. Though they will be repaired, but, the new highways will be built to connect the Char Dham,” Mr Gadkari said.

Speaking at a wrestling competition during the foundation day ceremony, Mr. Gadkari lauded Ramdev for his work in the field of Yoga and Ayurveda. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar also attended the ceremony.