By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
With the assembly elections round the corner in Uttarakhand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday lauded the hill state’s development journey over the past 26 years saying the government played a major role in improving infrastructure, connectivity, tourism, healthcare, education and the preservation of its rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on the occasion of Uttarakhand’s 26th Foundation Day, Modi extended greetings to the people of the state and expressed confidence that Uttarakhand was moving ahead with the vision of a developed state contributing to a developed India.
Referring to the creation of Uttarakhand on November 9, 2000, under the leadership of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Modi said the state’s formation reflected the aspirations and determination of its people. He said the state was steadily moving towards fulfilling the dreams with which it was carved out.
Recalling his association with Uttarakhand, the Prime Minister referred to his visits to different parts of the state, his spiritual experience in the Kedarnath cave and his journey to Adi Kailash. He said Uttarakhand had the potential to emerge as the spiritual capital of the world and that the double-engine government was working towards this goal.
Highlighting infrastructure development, Modi cited the investment of over Rs 11,000 crore in the 890-km Char Dham all-weather road project and the ongoing 125-km Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway line. He also said the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway would significantly reduce travel time and boost tourism, trade and industry.
He praised the redevelopment of Kedarnath and the development works worth around Rs 500 crore at Badrinath under its master plan. Referring to the Vibrant Villages Programme, he said initiatives in border villages such as Mana, Jadung, Timmer-Sain, Niti and Gunji would strengthen local livelihoods and promote tourism and traditional handicrafts.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the growth of homestays, adventure tourism, winter tourism and year-round tourism. He appreciated the state’s achievements in healthcare, education, women’s empowerment and farmers’ welfare, besides mentioning the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code and the anti-copying law.
Modi expressed confidence that Uttarakhand would continue to set new development benchmarks. Modi also referred to the Centre’s financial assistance of Rs 500 crore for preparations for the upcoming Ardh Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, expressing confidence that the religious congregation would provide an unforgettable experience to devotees from across the country and abroad.
Dhami thanked the Prime Minister for his greetings and guidance, saying the Centre’s continued support had strengthened the state’s efforts to become one of the leading states in the country.