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The objective of the Sharada Corridor is to develop the valley from Banbasa to Mata Rankochi as a “confluence of religion, nature, and livelihood”.
The Uttarakhand government has unveiled a project encompassing the redevelopment of Sharda Ghat, along with the establishment of an international border market in Banbasa and a heliport, worth Rs 3,300 crore.
The first phase of the project, expected to cost Rs 185 crore, was inaugurated on Friday, after which a review was conducted on Tuesday.
“The objective of the project is the holistic development of about 200 square kilometres of area, transforming it into a region that is strong and attractive from religious, cultural, tourism, and environmental perspectives,” said a communication from the office of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of 38 key works proposed under the project in Champawat district, including the redevelopment of Sharda Ghat, a city drainage plan, restoration of the Rankochi Mata Temple, development of a heliport at Banbasa, creation of a mountain bike trail from Chuka to Chalti, development of an international border market at Banbasa, beautification of the Shradha Path riverbank, preparation of a master plan for the Sharada riverfront, and establishment of aero sports facilities.
The land acquisition and transfer processes for the project are underway, officials said. The CM said that the area is envisioned to be developed as a destination wedding hub while “improving tourism, environment, and the overall experience of devotees”.
The objective of the Sharda Corridor is to develop the valley from Banbasa to Mata Rankochi as a “confluence of religion, nature, and livelihood”.
“This land will no longer remain only a centre of faith; it will also usher in a new stream of economic prosperity and opportunities for the people here,” the CM said. He said that under the first phase of the project, the Sharda Ghat Redevelopment Project — estimated at Rs 185.20 crore — has been launched to transform the riverfront into an eco-sensitive, clean, safe, and aesthetically attractive zone.
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The corridor falls under forest land, and the process of land transfer in coordination with the Forest Department is underway. The project is being implemented through the Uttarakhand Infrastructure and Industrial Development Board (UDIIDB).
The CM said that the Purnagiri and Mata Rankochi regions will be developed to offer visitors an experience of forest, wildlife, and nature education, alongside faith.
The first phase includes the Kiroda Nala Ecological Corridor worth Rs 109.57 crore to “conserve biodiversity and strengthen the region’s disaster resilience”. This phase also has the city drainage plan charted out, worth Rs 62 crore.
Aiswarya Raj is a correspondent with The Indian Express covering Uttarakhand. An alumna of Asian College of Journalism and the University of Kerala, she started her career at The Indian Express as a sub-editor in the Delhi city team. In her previous position, she covered Gurugaon and its neighbouring districts. She likes to tell stories of people and hopes to find moorings in narrative journalism. ... Read More
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