Dehradun, Uttarakhand :
On Sunday, Uttarakhand celebrated 25 years of its formation — and the occasion came with a big surprise from New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ambitious 8,260 crore package aimed at upgrading roads, tourism infrastructure, and village connectivity.
Speaking at the ceremony in Dehradun, Modi said Uttarakhand represents “the spirit of resilience and devotion that defines India’s Himalayas.” The announcement was met with loud cheers from the crowd, as the Prime Minister outlined new projects focused on rural livelihoods, clean energy, and disaster-resilient infrastructure.
Direct Support for Farmers: 62 Crore Credited Under Crop-Insurance Scheme
In a symbolic gesture of financial empowerment, Modi pressed a digital button to instantly transfer 62 crore in crop-insurance payouts to nearly 28,000 farmers across the state. The disbursement falls under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), which protects farmers against crop loss due to erratic weather and natural calamities.
“This is not just about compensation,” Modi said. “It’s about giving farmers confidence that the government stands with them, season after season.”
The move is expected to inject much-needed liquidity into rural areas as the Rabi sowing season begins.
What the 8,260 Crore Package Covers
Officials confirmed that the development plan includes:
- Improved road and bridge networks in hilly districts like Pithoragarh and Chamoli.
- Smart tourism circuits connecting pilgrimage routes to Kedarnath and Badrinath.
- Rural health-care centres and eco-tourism zones to create local employment.
- Hydropower and solar projects aimed at making Uttarakhand India’s first “green-energy state.”
The package will also fund technology-driven disaster-management systems, an area of critical importance after multiple landslides and floods in recent years.
A Political and Emotional Moment
Uttarakhand, carved out of Uttar Pradesh in 2000, has often faced the twin challenges of migration and limited job opportunities. The Prime Minister acknowledged this, promising that the new initiatives would “bring development to every doorstep – not just Dehradun or Haldwani.”
Observers note that the announcement comes ahead of local body elections next year, making it both a developmental push and a political statement.
Why It Matters
The Himalayan state contributes significantly to India’s hydropower, tourism, and pharmaceutical sectors. Economists suggest the ₹8,260 crore investment could add up to 0.2 percentage points to the state’s GDP if executed efficiently.
Infrastructure upgrades are also expected to reduce travel time by 30-40% between key religious and border districts, bolstering tourism revenue.
