Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor, a landmark infrastructure project aimed at transforming connectivity between the national capital and Uttarakhand.
The 213-km, access-controlled expressway has been developed at an estimated cost of around ₹12,000 crore and is expected to reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from over six hours to nearly two-and-a-half hours.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said the corridor would not only improve ease of travel but also accelerate economic growth, tourism, and employment opportunities across the region. He emphasized that enhanced connectivity would particularly benefit pilgrims travelling to Uttarakhand’s religious destinations and boost year-round tourism.
The expressway, passing through Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, features modern infrastructure including multiple interchanges, bridges, and advanced traffic management systems. A key highlight is the 12-km elevated wildlife corridor, designed to ensure safe movement of animals and minimize environmental impact.
Officials noted that the project is expected to significantly improve logistics efficiency and strengthen regional trade links. It has also been described as an economic lifeline for Uttarakhand, opening new avenues for industrial and service sector growth.
However, certain sections of the corridor, particularly near Loni in Ghaziabad, are yet to become fully operational due to pending local issues, authorities said.
With its inauguration, the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor is set to become a major driver of infrastructure-led development in northern India.