Uttarakhand is set to witness significant infrastructure development in the form of roads and highways that will be at par with those in the United States. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari made this promise to the state, stating that the Centre will invest approximately ₹2 lakh crore to elevate the road infrastructure to international standards by the end of 2024. The minister announced national highway projects worth over ₹2,000 crore in the state, emphasizing the commitment to improving connectivity and reducing travel time.
Currently, Uttarakhand boasts national highways spanning 3,608 kilometers, with several new projects underway and nearing completion. One of the most eagerly anticipated projects is the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, also known as the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, which is expected to drastically cut travel time between Delhi and the state capital.
During the announcement of the upcoming road projects, Gadkari underscored the commitment to ensuring that Uttarakhand’s national highways will match international standards. He also revealed an increase in funds for the state’s road network, with an additional ₹60 crore expected to be allocated, culminating in a total expenditure of ₹2 lakh crore.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his expectation for the completion of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway by the end of the year. The 340-kilometer expressway, featuring a wildlife corridor, is poised to reduce travel time from Delhi to Dehradun to just 2-2.5 hours, facilitating easy access for tourists from the capital.
The Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, estimated to cost around ₹8,300 crore, will include Asia’s largest wildlife elevated corridor, spanning approximately 12 kilometers of the highway. Notably, the expressway will reduce the distance between Delhi and Dehradun by 25 kilometers, in addition to aiding commuters between Delhi and Haridwar in covering the distance within two hours.
With its seven major interchanges for connectivity to key areas, including Haridwar, Muzaffarnagar, and Meerut, the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway is poised to significantly enhance travel efficiency and accessibility. The project marks a pivotal step in the transformation of Uttarakhand’s road infrastructure to align with global standards, serving as a testament to the state’s commitment to progress and development.
