Dehradun— Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday took part in the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the newly built Baba Baukhnag Temple, located near the Silkyara Tunnel. The event, held near the site of last year’s dramatic tunnel rescue, marked a significant spiritual and emotional moment for the state.
The Chief Minister also attended various programmes at the Silkyara tunnel breakthrough site, underscoring the region’s ongoing infrastructure development.
During his visit, CM Dhami reviewed the Silkyara Tunnel map chart, which outlines the strategic importance of the 4.531 km-long, two-lane bidirectional tunnel. Built at a cost of approximately ₹853 crore, the tunnel is set to cut down the distance between Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham by 26 km, making the Chardham Yatra more accessible and time-efficient for pilgrims.
The tunnel gained national attention in 2023 when a portion of the Silkyara Bend-Barkot tunnel collapsed, trapping 41 workers for 17 days. Following their safe rescue, CM Dhami had pledged to construct the Baba Baukhnag Temple at the site — a promise now fulfilled.
“This day is significant not just for its spiritual essence but also as a milestone in Uttarakhand’s journey toward enhanced connectivity and pilgrimage facilitation,” CM Dhami said.
Inauguration in Haridwar
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister inaugurated the newly constructed Maharaja Agrasen Agrawal Ashram Trust building in Haridwar, commemorating the Trust’s 50th Foundation Day.
Paying tribute to Maharaja Agrasen, CM Dhami praised the Trust for five decades of dedicated work in social service, cultural preservation, religious awareness, and humanitarian efforts. He noted that the newly inaugurated ghats will emerge as a vital hub for spiritual practice and a symbol of social unity.
Reaffirming his commitment to the state, CM Dhami stated, “No force will be allowed to disturb the unity, integrity, and social harmony of Uttarakhand.”
