Prime Minister lauds the state's progress in infrastructure, connectivity, tourism, border-area development and social welfare; says government is working to realise the vision of making the third decade of the 21st century Uttarakhand's decade.
Dehradun, November 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on the occasion of the state's Foundation Day, extending his heartfelt greetings to the people of the state.
In his detailed message, the Prime Minister highlighted Uttarakhand's 26-year development journey, its spiritual and cultural heritage, expansion of infrastructure, development of border areas and achievements across various sectors. He also appreciated the efforts of the state government.
Modi said Uttarakhand came into existence as a separate state on November 9, 2000, through the vision and determination of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The Foundation Day, he said, is an occasion to salute the people of Devbhoomi for their indomitable courage, unwavering self-respect and commitment to continuous progress.
He observed that Uttarakhand was formed with certain aspirations, and the state was steadily moving towards fulfilling them.
Highlighting the state's natural beauty and spiritual significance, Modi said Uttarakhand, nestled among the lofty Himalayan peaks, represents a unique blend of natural splendour and spiritual richness. The sacred rivers Ganga and Yamuna originate here, while the traditions of Panch Kedar, Panch Prayag and Char Dham make the state a major centre of faith in the country.
From Baba Kedarnath and Badrivishal to Gangotri, Yamunotri, Hemkund Sahib, Jageshwar Dham and Adi Kailash, the state's sacred destinations are deeply connected with the faith of millions of devotees.
Recalling his personal association with Uttarakhand, the Prime Minister said he had spent considerable time in different parts of Devbhoomi during his organisational work. His memories of meditation in the divine cave at Kedarnath, the spiritual journey to Adi Kailash, the blessings of the alpine meadows and the affection of the state's women remained vivid.
Describing Uttarakhand as a state with the potential to become the spiritual capital of the world, Modi said the double-engine government was working continuously towards achieving this goal.
Connectivity and infrastructure expansion
The Prime Minister said the state had witnessed significant expansion of connectivity and infrastructure over the past decade in pursuit of the vision of a developed Uttarakhand contributing to a developed India.
The Centre has invested more than Rs 11,000 crore in the approximately 890-km Char Dham All-Weather Road project. Work on the nearly 125-km Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway project is also progressing rapidly.
These projects, he said, would not only make the Char Dham pilgrimage easier but also accelerate the state's economic and social development.
Modi described the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway as a major boost for Uttarakhand's tourism, trade and industries, noting that it would significantly reduce travel time between the two cities.
He also highlighted the expansion of Dehradun Airport, the commencement of operations at Pithoragarh Airport, approval for a new helipad at Banbasa and the expansion of the state's heliport and helipad network as important steps towards strengthening air connectivity.
Development of religious destinations and border areas
The Prime Minister described the reconstruction of Kedarnath Dham as a significant initiative, noting that projects worth hundreds of crores of rupees had been undertaken for the development of the shrine.
At Badrinath Dham, development and beautification works worth approximately Rs 500 crore are being carried out under the master plan, including a riverfront and plaza. He said these projects prioritised the spiritual grandeur and environmental protection of Uttarakhand.
Referring to the development of border villages, Modi said these settlements were not merely markers of the country's geographical boundaries but also symbols of India's security and strength.
He appreciated efforts under the Vibrant Villages Programme to promote local culture, handicrafts and tourism in border villages such as Mana, Jadung, Timarsain, Niti and Gunji. Along with improving basic facilities, these initiatives were creating new employment opportunities for local residents.
Tourism, Kumbh and local economy
The Prime Minister highlighted tourism's significant contribution to Uttarakhand's economy and said the state had achieved new records in tourist arrivals.
Thousands of homestays have created additional sources of income for local families. Efforts are also being made to promote adventure tourism and 365-day tourism, along with winter tourism, wedding tourism and sustainable tourism.
These initiatives, he said, were helping preserve the state's natural and cultural heritage while giving wider recognition to local art, handicrafts and traditional products.
Modi also referred to the Centre's assistance of Rs 500 crore for preparations for the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Haridwar. He expressed confidence that the event would provide an unforgettable experience to devotees from across India and around the world.
Healthcare, education, women's empowerment and farmers
The Prime Minister appreciated the state's initiatives in social and economic development. He described the achievement of providing tap water to more than 98 per cent of rural households under the Jal Jeevan Mission as a significant milestone.
He also highlighted the expansion of healthcare facilities through the functioning of new medical colleges in Haridwar, Pithoragarh, Rudrapur and Almora, along with efforts to strengthen medical infrastructure.
In education, Modi appreciated initiatives such as the Central Sanskrit University campus at Devprayag, new Kendriya Vidyalayas and PM SHRI schools. He also described Uttarakhand's achievement of attaining the goal of full literacy as an important milestone.
On women's empowerment, he referred to schemes such as Ujjwala Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Lakhpati Didi Yojana. These initiatives, he said, had made life easier for rural women and helped them become economically self-reliant.
He also highlighted the financial assistance provided to farmers through the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, describing it as an important contribution to strengthening the rural economy.
In the water and energy sectors, the Prime Minister referred to the 1,000-MW Tehri Pumped Storage Plant, being developed at a cost of approximately Rs 8,000 crore. He also highlighted ongoing work on the Lakhwar Multipurpose Project, Jamrani Dam Project and Song Dam Drinking Water Scheme.
Governance and cultural heritage
Modi described the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand as an example for the country. He also appreciated measures such as the stringent anti-copying law, the anti-conversion law and greater transparency in the land law.
He noted the government's efforts to safeguard the interests of ex-servicemen through the One Rank One Pension scheme.
The successful organisation of the National Games and the state's athletes winning more than 100 medals at the national level were described as matters of pride for Uttarakhand.
The Prime Minister also referred to high-altitude ultra-run marathons being organised in the state's higher Himalayan regions, saying these events were giving Uttarakhand a distinct identity in adventure sports.
Highlighting the state's folk culture, songs, traditional festivals and cuisine, Modi said its folk traditions and cultural heritage represented the soul of Uttarakhand.
He mentioned the Nanda Devi Mela, Uttarayani Mela, Jageshwar Mela, Igas-Bagwal festival, Chholiya dance and Phool Dei festival. Traditional food items and products such as mandua roti, jhangora kheer, Bal Mithai and Singori, he said, were also integral to the state's unique identity.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that Uttarakhand would continue to achieve new milestones through the joint efforts of the Central and state governments.
He said the shared resolve was to ensure that every village, family and young person in Uttarakhand benefited from development opportunities. The state would continue moving forward with the vision of a developed Uttarakhand contributing to a developed India.
Chief Minister thanks Prime Minister
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his Foundation Day greetings and appreciation of Uttarakhand's development journey.
Dhami said the Prime Minister's special affection and close association with Uttarakhand had always been a source of inspiration for the people of the state. With the Prime Minister's guidance and the Centre's continued support, new development opportunities were being realised in Uttarakhand.
He said the confidence and expectations expressed by the Prime Minister had further strengthened the state government's resolve.
The Chief Minister added that the state government was working with commitment to make Uttarakhand one of the leading states in the country, in line with the Prime Minister's vision.
He said the government's priority was to ensure that the benefits of development reached the last person in society and that every village, young person, farmer, woman and border region became part of the mainstream development process.
Dhami said that under the Prime Minister's guidance, Uttarakhand was creating new opportunities in development, employment, tourism and investment while preserving its rich cultural heritage and natural resources.
The state government, he added, remained committed to making a meaningful contribution towards fulfilling the vision of a developed Uttarakhand as part of a developed India.
