Saraikhet (Special Correspondent): One of the most vital yet battered lifelines of Kumaon region — the 35-km Marchula–Saraikhet road — is finally set for a complete makeover. The Central Government has sanctioned and released ₹21 crore under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for widening, resurfacing, strengthening and safety enhancement of this crucial stretch. Following the release of funds, the Public Works Department (PWD) has completed the tender process and work orders are expected to be issued within days.
This highway connects Almora town directly with Ramnagar (gateway to Jim Corbett National Park), Ranikhet, and dozens of remote villages. Every day, hundreds of passenger buses, school vans, goods carriers and tourist vehicles ply on this route. For years, its deplorable condition — narrow width, deep potholes, broken edges and poor drainage — forced commuters to endure bone-jarring journeys, frequent traffic jams and a constant risk of accidents.
Chief Engineer, PWD, D.S. Hyanki confirmed, “The entire amount under CRIF has been sanctioned and received. Tenders have been finalised and the contractor will be handed over the site very soon. Work on ground will begin shortly and will be completed in a time-bound manner with strict quality control.”
What the ₹21 crore will deliver:
- Full hot-mix carpeting (bituminisation) of the entire 35-km stretch
- Widening at narrow and accident-prone sections
- Construction of retaining walls on steep hill slopes
- High-strength parapets and metal crash barriers at sharp curves
- New drainage system, culverts and side drains to prevent water logging
- Reflective signages, cat’s eyes, speed breakers and warning boards at dangerous bends
The Marchula–Saraikhet route is the shortest and most scenic link between the Terai plains and the hills of Almora and Ranikhet. Tourists heading to Corbett, Kausani, Chaubatia and Binsar heavily depend on it. Local traders, farmers transporting apples and vegetables, and thousands of schoolchildren have suffered the most because of its dilapidated state. During monsoons, the road often turned into a slush pit, causing hours-long delays and multiple accidents.
Residents and traders are jubilant. Manoj Joshi, a prominent businessman from Saraikhet, said, “This road is our economic lifeline. For over a decade we have been demanding its repair. Today we thank the Central and State governments for finally hearing our plea.” A school principal near Marchula added, “Our buses used to get late almost every day because of the broken road. Children were suffering. This upgradation will change everything.”
Once completed, travel time between Ramnagar and Almora via this route is expected to drop by at least 30–45 minutes, fuel consumption will reduce, and most importantly, road accidents — which claimed several lives in recent years — will see a sharp decline.
Chief Engineer D S Hyanki assured that the project will adhere to the latest hill-road engineering standards and is likely to be completed well before the next monsoon season. When finished, the Marchula–Saraikhet highway will not only become one of the smoothest roads in Kumaon but also set a new benchmark for hill infrastructure in Uttarakhand.
