NEW DELHI: Five state-run oil and gas majors will redevelop the Himalayan pilgrimage of Badrinath in Uttarakhand as a ‘spiritual smart hill town, at an initial investment of nearly Rs 100 crore, a move that is expected to promote tourism and create livelihood opportunities while improving visitor experience.
Flagship explorer ONGC, refiner fuel retailers IndianOil, BPCL, HPCL and gas utility GAIL on Thursday signed an MoU with Shri Badrinath Utthan Charitable Trust for the project, the oil ministry said.
The first phase of redevelopment will include river embankment work, building all-weather pathways for vehicles and new bridges, creating toilets and drinking water facilities, beautification of existing bridges, establishing ‘gurukul’ facilities with accommodation, installing street lights and general beautification with murals.