Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday arrived in Haridwar to review the preparations for Kumbh Mela-2027. Upon reaching the Kumbh Mela Control Building (CCR), the Chief Minister laid the foundation stones for 34 major infrastructure projects approved by the state government for Kumbh Mela-2027. These permanent development works, with an estimated cost of Rs 234.55 crore, aim to ensure the successful, safe, and well-organised conduct of the Kumbh Mela while also strengthening the long-term development of Haridwar city.Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, while talking to the media, said, “All preparations are ongoing, and immediately after the 2025 Chardham Yatra concluded, we began preparations for the 2026 Chardham Yatra, and several rounds of meetings have already been held. We are also meeting with stakeholders regularly, taking suggestions from all those involved in organising the yatra.”He further said, “This time, the yatra is being held a little earlier. The doors are set to open in April, when schools are closed, and there’s a lot of footfall. Therefore, all arrangements are being made to ensure that visitors have a positive yatra experience…A review meeting was held today for the 2027 Kumbh Mela, and the foundation stone was laid for projects worth approximately two hundred and fifty crore rupees.”“All work should be completed on time. All arrangements for the Kumbh should be well-organised, and everyone should participate. All departments should work in coordination with each other,” Dhami added.Meanwhile, in view of the upcoming Kumbh Mela to be held in Haridwar next year, extensive preparations are being undertaken by the Mela administration to ensure the convenience, safety, and smooth movement of devotees arriving from different parts of the country.Considering the likelihood of a large influx of pilgrims via railways during the Kumbh Mela, ground-level efforts have been intensified to provide additional facilities and necessary arrangements at Haridwar and other nearby railway stations.In this regard, Mela Officer Sonika conducted a detailed inspection of Haridwar Railway Station, along with officials from the Mela administration and the Railways, to review the arrangements and assess the facilities proposed by the Railways for the Kumbh Mela.