Hon'ble Supreme Court in its order dated 14.12.2021 permitted widening to 2-lane with paved shoulder (10.0 m wide carriageway) of the 3 strategically important National Highways (viz. Rishikesh-Mana, Rishikesh-Gangotri and Tanakpur-Pithoragarh) under Char Dham Programme. Hon'ble Supreme Court has set up an "Oversight Committee" chaired by Justice Arjan Kumar Sikri, former Judge of Hon'ble Supreme Court. Oversight Committee would ensure the implementation of the recommendations given in the report of High Powered Committee (HPC) constituted in terms of the order dated 08.08.2019 of Hon'ble Supreme Court. As regards remaining stretches under Char Dham Programme, HPC will oversee implementation of its recommendations for the projects. There is no ban imposed on development of Char Dham Programme. 

The works under Char Dham Programme are in progress. The National Highways under Char Dham programmes passes through the districts of Tehri Garhwal, Uttarkashi, Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Pithoragarh, Champawat and Dehradun in the State of Uttarakhand. 

This information was given by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

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MJPS