PM inaugurates Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 14 Apr: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway at a function held at Jaswant Ground (Mahindra Ground) at Garhi Cantt here. Addressing the gathering, Modi described the expressway as a landmark infrastructure project that will significantly enhance connectivity, stimulate economic growth and promote tourism across Uttarakhand and neighbouring regions. Addressing a large gathering here, the PM also extended greetings to the citizens on the occasion of Baisakhi, Bohag Bihu and Puthandu, noting that the inauguration coincided with a period of festive celebrations across the country.
Paying obeisance to Devbhoomi, Modi observed that the Char Dham Yatra to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath would begin shortly and that it would draw lakhs of devotees. He also offered prayers to Panch Badri, Panch Kedar and Panch Prayag, and recalled his visit to the Maa Daat Kali temple prior to the event, stating that the blessings of the Deity had provided strength in completing a project of such magnitude.
Marking the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, the PM also paid tribute to the architect of the Constitution and highlighted his lifelong commitment to social justice. He said that the government’s initiatives over the past decade had been guided by constitutional values, citing measures such as the abrogation of Article 370 and efforts to curb Maoism and Naxalism. He further noted that Uttarakhand had taken a lead by advancing the constitutional aspiration of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
Reflecting on Uttarakhand’s journey as it enters its 26th year since formation, Modi reiterated his earlier assertion that the third decade of the 21st century would belong to the state. He said the newly inaugurated expressway marked another major milestone in this journey and would provide fresh momentum to development.
Emphasising the importance of infrastructure in nation-building, the PM stated that the future of a country is shaped by its roads, highways, expressways, railways, airways and waterways, calling them to be Bhagya Rekha for the nation. He reminded that annual infrastructure spending in India had increased from less than Rs 2 lakh crore before 2014 to over Rs 12 lakh crores now, while projects worth more than Rs 2.25 lakh crores were currently underway in Uttarakhand alone.
Referring to rapid developments in the Delhi–Western Uttar Pradesh–Uttarakhand belt, the PM cited the expansion of the Delhi Metro, the launch of metro services in Meerut, the introduction of the Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Rail, and the development of the Noida International Airport and its MRO facility. He remarked that these projects reflected the scale at which infrastructure was being created across the country.
Detailing the benefits of the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor, Modi said it would substantially reduce travel time and costs, making journeys faster and more economical while lowering expenditure on petrol and diesel as well as freight charges. With an investment of Rs 12,000 crores already made, the project has generated employment for thousands of engineers, labourers and transport workers. He added that farmers and livestock rearers would also benefit from improved market access, while towns such as Ghaziabad, Baghpat, Baraut, Shamli and Saharanpur are also set to witness renewed economic activity. He described the corridor as more than just a road, stating that it would open new avenues for trade, industry, warehousing and logistics.
Highlighting the tourism potential of the Expressway, the PM observed that destinations such as Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mussoorie and the Char Dham circuit would become more accessible now. He said Uttarakhand is emerging as a major hub for winter tourism, winter sports and destination weddings. Citing figures, he noted that visits to Adi Kailash and Om Parvat have risen sharply to over 36,000 in 2025, while participation in the Winter Char Dham Yatra have increased from 80,000 in 2024 to more than 1.5 lakhs in 2025. He also remarked that growth in tourism would benefit the entire local economy, including hotels, dhabas, taxis and homestays.
Stressing on the need to balance development with environmental protection, Modi mentioned the construction of a nearly 12-kilometre elevated wildlife corridor along the expressway to ensure unhindered movement of animals, including elephants. He urged visitors to maintain cleanliness in the mountains and forests of Devbhoomi, stressing that plastic waste and garbage diminish the sanctity of these sacred sites and that it is the collective duty of citizens to keep the forests clean and beautiful.
Speaking about upcoming Kumbh Mela in Haridwar next year, the PM called for coordinated efforts to ensure the event is organised on a grand, divine and clean scale. He also referred to the Nanda Devi Rajjat Yatra as a symbol of India’s living cultural heritage, noting its unique traditions and the prominent role of women participants.
On women’s empowerment, the PM reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing safety, security and political representation for women. He recalled the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which provides for 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, and informed that a special discussion on the matter would be held in Parliament from April 16. He appealed to all political parties to support its implementation ahead of the 2029 general elections.
Paying tribute to Uttarakhand’s rich military legacy, Modi remembered the sacrifices of soldiers such as Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat during the 1962 war. He highlighted welfare initiatives for ex-servicemen, including disbursement of nearly Rs 1.25 lakh crore under One Rank One Pension, a 36 per cent increase in the veterans’ health scheme budget, home delivery of medicines for those above 70 years of age, enhanced education grants for children and an increase in marriage assistance for daughters from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh.
In addition, Modi asserted that the vision of a Viksit Bharat must integrate development with preservation of nature and culture. He congratulated the people of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and the nation on the inauguration of the expressway, stating that a combination of patriotism, devotion and development would pave the way for a truly developed India.
Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami were among those present on the occasion.
