Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, marking a landmark moment in the development of Uttarakhand and the broader region. Speaking at the event in Dehradun, the Prime Minister extended greetings to the people of the country on the occasion of Baisakhi, Bohag Bihu and Puthandu, noting that the inauguration coincides with a period of festive celebration across India. “This expressway will give fresh momentum to Uttarakhand’s growth,” asserted shri Modi.
The Prime Minister remarked that a nation’s future is written in its roads, highways, expressways, airways, railways and waterways. Underlining the unprecedented pace of infrastructure development in the country, he pointed out that while infrastructure spending stood at less than Rs 2 lakh crore per year before 2014, it has now grown more than sixfold to over Rs 12 lakh crore annually. “Infrastructure projects worth more than Rs 2.25 lakh crore are currently underway in Uttarakhand alone,” affirmed Shri Modi.
Detailing the transformative benefits of the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, the Prime Minister highlighted the project’s multi-dimensional impact on the region. He noted that the expressway is set to significantly reduce travel time and costs for commuters, leading to substantial fuel savings and lower freight charges. With an investment of Rs 12,000 crore already infused into construction, the project has emerged as a major employment engine, providing livelihoods to thousands of engineers, laborers, and transport workers. PM Modi emphasized that farmers and animal herders will also benefit as their produce reaches larger markets with greater speed. He observed that the corridor, which passes through Ghaziabad, Baghpat, Baraut, Shamli, and Saharanpur, is poised to revitalize these cities in Uttar Pradesh as well. “This is not just a road; it opens new avenues for trade, industry, warehousing, and logistics across the entire region,” asserted Shri Modi.
Emphasising the tourism potential of the new expressway, the Prime Minister noted that Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mussoorie and the Char Dham circuit will all be more accessible. Stressing the government’s commitment to balancing progress with nature and culture, the Prime Minister highlighted the construction of a nearly 12-kilometre elevated wildlife corridor as part of the expressway, designed to ensure that animals, including elephants, face no disruption.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister said that the vision of a Viksit Bharat must encompass progress, nature and culture in equal measure. He extended heartfelt congratulations to the people of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and the entire nation on the inauguration of the expressway. “Combining patriotism, devotion and development across every dimension, that is how we will build a truly Developed India.
