Team News Riveting
New Delhi, April 14
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today 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.
Marking the occasion of Dr B R Ambedkar’s birth anniversary, the Prime Minister paid tribute to Baba Saheb on behalf of the entire nation. Highlighting Ambedkar’s lifelong commitment to justice for the poor and the marginalised, he noted that the government’s policies over the past decade have sought to uphold constitutional values, from the abrogation of Article 370 to the elimination of Maoism and Naxalism in dozens of districts. “Uttarakhand has shown the way to the entire country by advancing the constitutional aspiration of a Uniform Civil Code,” affirmed PM Modi.
Reflecting on Uttarakhand’s journey as a state entering its twenty-sixth year, the Prime Minister recalled his earlier declaration that the third decade of this century would be Uttarakhand’s decade. He noted that with the current Government’s policies and the hard work of the people, the young state continues to add new dimensions to its development. “This expressway will give fresh momentum to Uttarakhand’s growth,” asserted 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 ₹2 lakh crore per year before 2014, it has now grown more than sixfold to over ₹12 lakh crore annually. “Infrastructure projects worth more than ₹2.25 lakh crore are currently underway in Uttarakhand alone,” affirmed 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 ₹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 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.” When tourism grows, everyone benefits, hotels, dhabas, taxis, home stays, the entire local economy gets a boost,” remarked Modi.
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. He also urged tourists and pilgrims visiting the mountains and forests of Devbhoomi to keep these sacred spaces clean and free of plastic waste. “Our effort is that while infrastructure serves people, the wildlife and natural heritage of these areas must also be protected,” emphasised Modi.
Turning to the issue of women’s empowerment, the Prime Minister noted that the government remains firmly committed to the safety, security and political participation of women. He recalled that after four decades of waiting, Parliament had passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, guaranteeing 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Appealing to all political parties from the soil of Devbhoomi, he urged them to support the amendment to ensure the law comes into effect from the 2029 general elections. “This is the wish of every sister and daughter of this country, and we must fulfil it with unanimity,” remarked Modi.
Paying tribute to Uttarakhand’s proud military tradition from the historic venue of Garhi Cantonment, the Prime Minister recalled the valour of martyrs like Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat in the 1962 war. He outlined several welfare measures for ex-servicemen, including disbursement of nearly ₹1.25 lakh crore under One Rank One Pension, a 36 per cent increase in the health scheme budget for veterans, home delivery of medicines for ex-servicemen above 70 years of age, doubling of children’s education grants and enhancement of daughters’ marriage assistance from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh. “Strengthening the armed forces and honouring our soldier families are non-negotiable priorities for this government,” affirmed Modi.
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,” asserted Modi.
