Uttarakhand CM kickstarts Rishikesh rafting hub, parking project to boost tourism

Uttarakhand has taken a significant step in enhancing its tourism infrastructure with the unveiling of the new Rishikesh Rafting Base Station and a multi-storey parking facility.

These projects aim to address the growing demand for better amenities and improved traffic management in the region.

The rafting base station is set to elevate Rishikesh as a global rafting destination, while the multi-storey parking will provide much-needed relief from traffic congestion, particularly during peak tourist seasons.

Together, these developments are expected to not only boost tourism but also contribute to the region’s economic growth by increasing visitor satisfaction and expanding employment opportunities.

On Friday, Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami laid the foundation for the iconic Rishikesh Rafting Base Station, marking the first phase of the Rishikesh Ganga Corridor Project.

This initial phase, which will extend from Shivpuri to Muni Ki Reti, is set to receive financial support of ₹100 crore from the Government of India. The project aims to be completed within two years.

In addition, the Chief Minister laid the foundation for a multi-storey car parking facility and an office building in Rishikesh.

The project, costing around ₹136 crore, will be carried out by the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) on land provided by the Municipal Corporation of Rishikesh.

The multi-storey parking will cover an area of approximately 10,441 square meters, providing space for 1,038 vehicles. It will also house office buildings for the Municipal Corporation of Rishikesh, Jal Sansthan Rishikesh, and UPCL.

Modern features, including fire safety measures, CCTV surveillance, access control, rainwater harvesting, solar lighting, lifts, and green spaces, will be integrated into the construction.

During the event, the Chief Minister also inaugurated various projects worth ₹1.51 crore under the Municipal Corporation of Rishikesh. Additionally, medical and traveller-friendly kits were distributed to environmental volunteers, and a hydrogel waterless toilet was officially opened.

Addressing the crowd, the Chief Minister emphasized the relief that the new multi-storey parking facility, capable of holding over a thousand vehicles, will bring to the city.

It will help alleviate traffic congestion, particularly during the Chardham Yatra, and offer significant convenience to the public by consolidating various departmental offices under one roof.

The Chief Minister also highlighted several major infrastructure initiatives in Rishikesh, including the Chardham Road Project and the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Line Project, both of which are expected to significantly boost the state’s development.

Over ₹1,600 crore has been invested in strengthening the region’s infrastructure, including world-class upgrades at the Yoganagari Rishikesh Railway Station under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.

Plans for a ropeway from Rishikesh to the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple and projects worth ₹557 crore for improved water supply and ₹183 crore for a new sewer line are also underway.

Uttarakhand has launched the new Rishikesh Rafting Base Station and a multi-storey parking facility to enhance tourism infrastructure, addressing traffic congestion and boosting the region’s appeal as a top adventure destination.

With the development of world-class rafting facilities, enhanced ropeway services, and shuttle transportation, Rishikesh is poised to attract more tourists, fostering business and employment opportunities.

The Chief Minister called on the public to unite and celebrate patriotism by rafting in the Ganga River with the national flag once a year, creating a spectacular symbol of national pride.