Statement by Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta on the inauguration of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji

Under PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s leadership, Delhi is witnessing a transformation, with infrastructure getting a fresh momentum: CM Rekha Gupta

The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway represents a new confluence of development and faith: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta

The ₹12,000-crore expressway gives a fresh push to the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ and marks a major milestone in Delhi’s growth: CM Rekha Gupta

New Delhi, April 2026 : On the birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on Tuesday dedicated the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway to the nation. Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta joined the programme virtually. Describing the occasion as special and auspicious, the Chief Minister said the expressway built at a cost of around ₹12,000 crore would mark a significant milestone in Delhi’s development and give fresh momentum to the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat.’ She thanked the Prime Minister for spearheading multiple projects aligned with Delhi’s growing needs.

Gupta said Delhi’s transformation under the Prime Minister’s leadership is visible in the rapid expansion of infrastructure. She noted that projects worth nearly ₹1.25 lakh crore are currently underway in the capital under the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, reshaping the city’s urban landscape. Highlighting the broader significance of the expressway, the Chief Minister said it is not merely a road project but a vital link that connects Delhi’s modern infrastructure with the spiritual ethos of Uttarakhand often referred to as Devbhoomi. “It is a true confluence of development and faith,” she said.

The expressway is expected to reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from around 6-7 hours to just 2-2.5 hours, bringing substantial relief to commuters and boosting tourism and economic activity. Gupta pointed out that India’s expressway and high-speed corridor network has expanded to over 3,000 km, while the national highway network has grown from about 51,000 km to nearly 1,46,000 km, an indicator of the country’s accelerated infrastructure growth.

Referring to the strength of ‘double-engine governance,’ she said better coordination between the Centre and the Delhi government is helping the city move ahead at a faster pace. Several key roads have been handed over to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to ensure improved maintenance and faster upgrades. She also highlighted the proposed elevated road project along the Munak canal, estimated at around ₹5,000 crore, which is expected to make traffic movement smoother and significantly reduce congestion.

Emphasising a ground-level approach, the Chief Minister said the Delhi government is committed to resolving citizens’ issues efficiently. She added that the city continues to make steady progress in education, healthcare and infrastructure, and will be further strengthened through upcoming policies and projects. Expressing confidence in the Prime Minister’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, Gupta said Delhi is well-positioned to achieve new milestones in growth and urban transformation in the years ahead.