New Delhi, April 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the New Delhi-Derhadun Economic Corridor on Tuesday in Dehradun. This expressway, spanning approximately 213 kilometers, has been developed at a cost exceeding ₹12,000 crores. The corridor connects Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, significantly reducing travel time from around six hours to just two and a half hours.
During the inauguration, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari emphasized the project’s importance, stating that it is not merely a road project but a significant catalyst for the country’s economic growth. He highlighted that the corridor would enhance tourism and create substantial employment opportunities.
Gadkari explained that the New Delhi-Derhadun Economic Corridor will establish better connectivity between major tourist destinations and economic hubs, generating new avenues for trade, investment, and employment. This project is particularly beneficial for tourism-centric states like Uttarakhand.
He noted that the expressway would open new doors for economic, social, and industrial development in Uttarakhand. Improved connectivity is expected to attract more investments, encourage industries, and increase job opportunities for local residents. This project will especially benefit those who frequently travel between Delhi and Dehradun.
The minister further mentioned that the expressway would facilitate easier access to key cities like Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh, likely giving a fresh boost to tourism in the state. This six-lane greenfield expressway starts from the Delhi-Meerut Expressway and passes through Akshardham, Shastri Park, Khajuri Khas, Baghpat, Shamli, Muzaffarnagar, and Saharanpur, accelerating development across the region.
Additionally, Gadkari announced that a 51-kilometer long six-lane super road from Saharanpur bypass to Haridwar would also be inaugurated in June, further strengthening regional connectivity.
He stated, “Policy, economy, and ecology are three essential pillars of our society. While we aim for development, we must also preserve ecology and the environment.”
In a post on social media platform X, the Union Minister mentioned that this fast multi-lane corridor traverses Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The project includes the construction of ten interchanges, three railway overbridges, four major bridges, and twelve roadside amenities to ensure seamless high-speed connectivity. Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) will enhance the travel experience for passengers.
The post also noted that the project has been designed with the region’s ecological sensitivity, rich biodiversity, and wildlife in mind. It incorporates several features aimed at significantly reducing human-wildlife conflict. To ensure the unhindered movement of wildlife, the project includes special facilities for wildlife conservation, such as a 12-kilometer wildlife elevated corridor, one of the longest in Asia, promoting development alongside environmental protection. The corridor features eight animal passages, two 200-meter-long elephant underpasses, and a 370-meter-long tunnel near the Dat Kali Temple.
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