PM Modi inaugurates Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor, cuts travel time to 2.5 hours
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated the six-lane Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor in Uttarakhand’s capital, marking a major boost to regional connectivity and infrastructure.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami were present at the inauguration ceremony.
Spanning 213 kilometres, the access-controlled corridor has been built at a cost exceeding ₹12,000 crore. It passes through Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and is expected to reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from over six hours to around two-and-a-half hours.
The project includes 10 interchanges, three railway over bridges (ROBs), four major bridges and 12 wayside amenities designed to facilitate smoother and faster travel. An Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) has also been integrated to improve safety and efficiency, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Given the ecological sensitivity of the region, the corridor incorporates multiple features aimed at reducing human-animal conflict. These include a 12-km-long elevated wildlife corridor—among the longest in Asia—along with eight animal passes, two elephant underpasses of 200 metres each, and a 370-metre tunnel near the Daat Kali temple.
The PMO said the project is expected to strengthen regional economic activity by improving access to key tourism hubs and commercial centres, while also opening new avenues for trade and development.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister reviewed the 12-km wildlife corridor in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur, part of the elevated section of the expressway. He also offered prayers at the Jai Maa Daat Kali Temple near Dehradun, where he participated in an aarti performed by children.
(ANI inputs)
