Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has announced significant progress on the construction of a direct road from India to Kailash Mansarovar, aiming to eliminate the need for pilgrims to travel through Nepal or China. This initiative is set to provide a more accessible and streamlined route for devotees undertaking the sacred journey.
Key Highlights:
- Completion Status: As of March 2023, approximately 93% of the construction work on the Kailash Mansarovar road project has been completed.
- Route Details: The new route originates from Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand and extends to Lipulekh Pass on the China border. The project includes multiple segments:
- A 107.6 km stretch from Pithoragarh to Tawaghat.
- A 19.5 km single-lane road from Tawaghat to Ghatiabgarh, which has been upgraded to double lane.
- An 80 km path from Ghatiabgarh to Lipulekh Pass, previously requiring a five-day trek, now accessible by road.
- Significance: This development is poised to significantly reduce travel time and enhance safety for pilgrims, offering a direct and more comfortable journey to the revered site. The project underscores the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure that facilitates religious tourism and strengthens cultural ties.
The completion of this road is eagerly anticipated by devotees and is expected to bolster tourism and local economies along the route.