Dehradun: Inaugurating the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that a State where generations once waited for roads to reach remote villages is now witnessing rapid connectivity under the BJP’s “double-engine government”. He noted that many villages that had earlier seen migration and decline are now showing signs of revival.
Constructed at a cost of Rs 11,868 crore, the 210-km expressway is expected to reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun to about two-and-a-half hours, significantly improving regional connectivity.
Recalling his 2021 visit to Kedarnath, the Prime Minister said he had then expressed confidence that the third decade of the century would belong to Uttarakhand. “I am happy that the policies of the double-engine government, along with the efforts of the people of Uttarakhand, are helping this young state add a new dimension to development,” he said.
Addressing a public meeting in Dehradun after offering prayers at a temple and participating in a roadshow, Modi described transport infrastructure as the “bhagyarekha” (lifeline) of progress. He said the government has been steadily building these “lines of progress” as India advances towards becoming a developed nation.
“These are not just conveniences for today, but guarantees of prosperity for generations to come. This is also a Modi guarantee. Over the last decade, our government has undertaken remarkable investment in this sector. Till 2014, across the country, investment was not even Rs 2 lakh crore per year; now it is six times higher, over Rs 12 lakh crore. In Uttarakhand alone, infrastructure projects worth Rs 2.25 lakh crore are underway. Generations once waited for roads to reach villages in Uttarakhand, and with the double-engine government, roads have now reached them. Villages that were once deserted are now being revitalised,” he said.
Highlighting key projects, he added, “Be it the Char Dham project, rail expansion, or the Kedarnath and Hemkund ropeways, these are becoming lifelines for people. The speed and scale of work in 21st-century India are being discussed across the world.”
The Prime Minister also pointed out that as a substantial portion of the expressway passes through Uttar Pradesh, it would spur development in cities such as Ghaziabad, Baghpat, Shamli and Saharanpur along the corridor.
Paying tribute to Dr. BR Ambedkar on his birth anniversary, Modi said that the government’s policies over the past decade have reinforced the dignity of the Constitution. “After the abrogation of Article 370, the entire nation now operates under one Constitution. In regions where Maoism and Naxalism have been eliminated, development will now take place in accordance with the Constitution.
“The implementation of a Uniform Civil Code is envisaged in the Constitution, and Uttarakhand has set an example by taking this forward. Babasaheb’s life was devoted to improving the lives of the poor, the exploited, and the destitute. Our government is working towards delivering social justice to the marginalised. The path to this lies in achieving balanced development, improved public services, and shared prosperity. This is why Babasaheb advocated for modern infrastructure and industrialisation,” he said.
Listing the benefits of the project, the Prime Minister said, “The first is time savings; the second is employment. An investment of Rs 12,000 crore generated employment for thousands. Farmers and those engaged in animal husbandry will now have access to larger markets.
“The expressway will boost tourism in the state and serve as a key route to Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, and the Char Dham yatra. Tourism will benefit greatly. I am confident that Uttarakhand will emerge as a major destination for winter tourism, winter sports, and ‘Wed in India’ initiatives.”
Emphasising environmental safeguards, he highlighted the development of a wildlife corridor along the route. “Infrastructure projects must benefit people without harming wildlife. This is why we have created a 12-km-long wildlife corridor. I urge pilgrims and tourists to keep our mountains and forests clean, as they are sacred. Next year, the Kumbh will be held in Haridwar, and we must work towards maintaining it as a confluence of faith that is divine, grand, and clean,” he said.
With Uttarakhand preparing for the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra, Modi also stressed the role of women in nation-building. “Ensuring their safety, protection, and participation in politics remains our priority. After four decades of waiting, Parliament has passed the women’s reservation law, providing 33 per cent reservation in Assemblies and the Lok Sabha. Its implementation should not be delayed and must come into effect from 2029,” he said, calling for collective support.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, who also addressed the gathering, cited former US President John F Kennedy to underline the importance of infrastructure. “He said that American roads are not good because America is rich, but America is rich because American roads are good. This is not just an economic corridor, but also a highway that will bring employment and improve tourism. By bringing down travel time to 2.5 hours, this highway will bring development to Dehradun. A six-lane spur road in Haridwar will be inaugurated in June,” he said.
On other infrastructure initiatives, Gadkari added, “We are devoted to Mansarovar. Currently, we have to go to China and Nepal to visit the region. Under the PM’s leadership, a road project costing Rs 5,200 crore that will take people from Tanakpur via Pithoragarh to Lipulekh is underway.
“Of the 370 km, work has been completed on a 200-km stretch. We will work towards completing it this year. The most important is the Char Dham yatra project, worth Rs 12,000 crore, and of its total length of 825 km, 640 km has been laid out.”
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