New Delhi, 14 April (H.S.):

On the occasion of Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar's birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway to the public on Tuesday.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta joined the event virtually and described this expressway as a bridge connecting Delhi's modernity with the spirituality of Devbhoomi.

Expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister remarked that numerous vital projects have been completed in Delhi under his leadership, attuned to the capital's needs.

She further noted that under the Prime Minister's guidance, the central government through the Ministry of Transport is executing projects worth approximately ₹1.25 lakh crore in Delhi, infusing new direction into the capital's infrastructure.

She highlighted that this expressway, constructed at a cost of ₹12,000 crore, will drastically reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from nearly 6 to 7 hours to merely 2 to 2.5 hours.

The Chief Minister observed that India's network of expressways and high-speed corridors is expanding rapidly, surpassing 3,000 km, while the national highway network has grown from about 51,000 km to 146,000 km—a testament to the accelerated infrastructure development across the nation.

Referencing the strength of the 'Double Engine Government,' the Chief Minister emphasized that enhanced coordination between the central and state governments is propelling Delhi swiftly along the path of progress.

Several key roads have been handed over to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for superior maintenance and development. The elevated road project over the Munak Canal, costing around ₹5,000 crore, will streamline traffic flow and substantially alleviate congestion.

The Delhi government remains fully committed to on-ground action, resolving every issue at the grassroots level.

The Chief Minister affirmed that Delhi continues to advance steadily in education, health, and infrastructure sectors, poised to further empower the capital through upcoming projects and policies.

She expressed confidence that Delhi will attain new pinnacles of development in alignment with the Prime Minister's vision of 'Viksit Bharat 2047.'

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar