The Uttarakhand Public Works Department (PWD) has decided to significantly upgrade the load-bearing capacity of 235 bridges located on state highways across the hill state, in a major infrastructure initiative aimed at improving traffic flow, disaster preparedness, and defence logistics. The project, estimated to cost ₹1,640 crore, is expected to begin in July 2026 and will cover nine districts of Uttarakhand. Alongside bridge strengthening, landslide treatment work will also be carried out on seven key routes as part of the same programme.
According to officials, the decision comes in response to growing pressure on existing bridge infrastructure due to rising tourist numbers, increased movement of local vehicles, and strategic requirements linked to the state’s sensitive border locations. Uttarakhand shares international borders with China and Nepal, and several state highways serve as crucial corridors for both civilian and defence movement. Many of the bridges slated for upgrade were constructed between 20 and 40 years ago, at a time when traffic volumes and vehicle loads were significantly lower.
Official data shows that Uttarakhand has a total of 585 bridges across 103 state highways. Of these, 407 bridges have spans of 10 metres or more, making them structurally significant for highway connectivity. However, only 111 of these bridges currently meet Class A loading standards. The remaining bridges, many of which fall under Class B standards, were designed to carry loads of around 55 tonnes, which is no longer sufficient for present-day requirements.
The upgrade plan focuses on converting a large number of Class B bridges to Class A standards. Class A bridges are designed to bear loads exceeding 70 tonnes, making them capable of supporting heavy defence vehicles such as army tanks, large transport trucks, and specialised equipment. PWD officials have stated that while local traffic in some remote border areas remains relatively light, these bridges must now be compatible with the movement of heavy military convoys and supplies to forward posts along the Indo-China border.
PWD Secretary Pankaj Pandey told The Times of India that the increase in tourist inflow and frequent movement of local vehicles has placed additional stress on bridge structures that were not originally built to handle such loads. He also highlighted the strategic importance of Uttarakhand’s location, noting that strengthening bridge infrastructure is essential not only for civilian use but also for national security and logistical readiness. He added that network expansion in the state has further increased the need for compatible and resilient bridge infrastructure.
A significant number of the bridges identified for upgrading are directly or indirectly connected to the Char Dham route, which has witnessed a sharp rise in pilgrim footfall over the past decade. This year alone, around 50 lakh pilgrims undertook the Char Dham yatra, placing substantial pressure on road and bridge infrastructure in the region. Strengthening these bridges is expected to improve safety and reduce bottlenecks during peak travel periods.
The project will receive financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank and will be implemented in accordance with the latest Indian Road Congress guidelines and Indian Standards specifications. In addition to increasing load-bearing capacity, the plan also includes widening several single-lane bridges to 1.5-lane or two-lane configurations, which is expected to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion on narrow mountain highways.
Officials have emphasised that the initiative is part of a larger effort to enhance Uttarakhand’s disaster response capabilities, particularly in a state that is prone to landslides, floods, and other natural calamities. By strengthening bridges and improving road connectivity, authorities aim to ensure faster movement of rescue teams, essential supplies, and heavy equipment during emergencies.
With work scheduled to begin in mid-2026, the bridge upgrade programme represents one of the most comprehensive infrastructure strengthening efforts undertaken by the state in recent years, reflecting the growing importance of resilient transport networks in both civilian life and strategic planning.