PM Modi Inaugurates Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, Says Corridor Is Going To Transform Entire Region
PM Modi held a roadshow, offered prayers and reviewed projects before inaugurating the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, expected to cut travel time and boost regional connectivity.
Published : April 14, 2026 at 2:19 PM IST
|Updated : April 14, 2026 at 5:12 PM IST
Dehradun: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated the most-awaited Delhi-Dehradun Expressway. He began his Uttarakhand visit with a roadshow and temple visit ahead of inaugurating the Economic Corridor, a major infrastructure project aimed at boosting connectivity across three states.
Upon his arrival in Dehradun, the Prime Minister offered prayers at the revered Jai Maa Daat Kali Temple. He was welcomed by children dressed in traditional attire who recited the Durga Devi Stotram, creating a vibrant and devotional atmosphere. Modi also briefly interacted with devotees at the temple.
Roadshow, Crowd Gatherings Mark Visit
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister held a roadshow along the wildlife corridor stretch of the expressway in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur. Large crowds gathered along the route to catch a glimpse of him, waving the Tricolour, showering flowers, and chanting slogans such as "Modi, Modi", "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and "Jai Shri Ram". Many also performed traditional folk dances to welcome him.
While inaugurating the expressway, he said, “I am sorry that I was late to this event by around an hour. I left on time, but for 12 km there was a roadshow from Kali Mandir till here, such enthusiasm and excitement, we could not drive fast...”
Reviews Wildlife Corridor, Meets Officials
During his visit, PM Modi reviewed the wildlife corridor built along the elevated section of the expressway. An exhibition showcasing the construction and design of the corridor was held, and officials briefed him on the project's key features. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, UP Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak were present during the review.
‘Today We Mark Yet Another Significant Milestone’
Addressing the gathering, Modi said, “I offer my greetings to all of you on this sacred land of Devbhoomi, Uttarakhand… Many people from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh are also connected to this programme through technology, and I warmly welcome everyone.”
He also extended greetings on festivals such as Baisakhi, Bohag Bihu, and Puthandu, and highlighted the upcoming Char Dham Yatra. Modi said, “Uttarakhand has now completed 25 years since its formation and has stepped into its 26th year. With the inauguration of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway today, we mark yet another significant milestone in this journey of progress.”
He reiterated his earlier statement that the third decade of this century would belong to Uttarakhand.
‘Expressway Will Transform the Region’
Modi stated, “The Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor is going to transform the entire region. The first benefit is that it will save time… People will spend less on petrol and diesel, and transport fares will also decrease.”
“The second major benefit is employment. Around Rs 12,000 crore has been spent on its construction so far, which has provided jobs to thousands of workers.” He further emphasised that the scale and speed of infrastructure development in recent years are unprecedented. “Until 2014, less than Rs 2 lakh crore was spent annually on infrastructure nationwide… today the pace is unmatched,” he said.
Focus On Infrastructure, Social Justice And Constitution
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Dr BR Ambedkar's Jayanti said, “Today is also the birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar. I pay my respectful tributes… Our government has worked to restore the dignity of the Constitution.”
He added, “After the abrogation of Article 370, the Constitution is now fully applicable across the entire nation.” Modi said the government is committed to delivering social justice to the poor and deprived, adding that balanced development and modern infrastructure are key tools for achieving it.
He also mentioned that work is progressing in areas once affected by extremism, aligning governance with constitutional principles.
Push For Uniform Civil Code And Women’s Reservation
The Prime Minister praised Uttarakhand for implementing the Uniform Civil Code, saying the state has “shown the way” for the country. He also made a fresh appeal for support for the Women’s Reservation Bill.
“From Devbhoomi, I once again appeal to all parties to support the Nari Shakti Vandana Act… Women should get their rightful representation,” he said. He urged political parties to build consensus and ensure implementation without delay.
Boost To Economy, Tourism And Connectivity
Officials said the corridor will significantly improve connectivity between key tourism and economic centres, while also opening new avenues for trade and regional development.
Modi also highlighted that tourism growth in Uttarakhand, including winter tourism and upcoming events like the Haridwar Kumbh, will benefit from improved connectivity.
The project reflects the government’s push towards next-generation infrastructure that balances speed, sustainability and improved quality of life.
Expressway To Cut Travel Time to 2.5 Hours
The 213-km-long, six-lane access-controlled corridor has been developed at a cost of over Rs 12,000 crore. It passes through Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand and is expected to reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from over 6 hours to around 2.5 hours. The distance between the two cities will also be reduced, making travel more efficient.
Modern Infrastructure With Advanced Features
The project includes 10 interchanges, three railway overbridges, four major bridges, and 12 wayside amenities to ensure smooth, high-speed travel. It is also equipped with an Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) to enhance safety and efficiency for commuters.
Focus On Wildlife Protection
Given the region's ecological sensitivity, special measures have been taken to minimise human-animal conflict. A key highlight is the 12-km-long elevated wildlife corridor, built keeping the safety of wildlife, especially elephants, in mind.
The project also includes eight animal underpasses, two dedicated elephant underpasses of 200 metres each, and a 370-metre-long tunnel near the Dat Kali temple.
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