PM Inaugurates Two Major National Highway Projects in National Capital Worth Rs. 11,000 Crore

Subhashis Mittra, PTI, New Delhi, Aug 17, 2025 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday inaugurated two major National Highway projects worth a combined cost of nearly Rs. 11,000 crore at Rohini in the national capital.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister remarked on the significance of the location, stating that the name of the expressway is “Dwarka,” and the programme is being held at “Rohini.” He highlighted the festive spirit of Janmashtami and noted the coincidence that he himself hails from the land of Dwarkadhish. The Prime Minister observed that the entire atmosphere has become deeply infused with the essence of Lord Krishna.

Highlighting that the month of August is imbued with the colours of freedom and revolution, Modi remarked that amid the celebrations of Azadi Ka Mahotsav, the national capital Delhi is today witnessing a development revolution. He informed that earlier in the day, Delhi received enhanced connectivity through the Dwarka Expressway and Urban Extension Road which will improve convenience for the people of Delhi, Gurugram, and the entire NCR region. He added that commuting to offices and factories will become easier, saving time for everyone. The Prime Minister emphasized that traders, entrepreneurs, and farmers will greatly benefit from this connectivity. He extended his congratulations to all residents of Delhi-NCR for these modern road infrastructure developments.

Recalling his Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort, where he spoke in detail about the nation’s economy, self-reliance, and self-confidence, the Prime Minister said, “Today’s India is defined by its aspirations, dreams, and resolutions—elements that the entire world is now experiencing.” He stated that when the world looks at India and evaluates its progress, its first glance falls upon the national capital. Modi emphasized the need to develop Delhi as a model of growth, where everyone can truly feel that this is the capital of a developing and confident India.

Stating that over the past 11 years, the government has consistently worked at various levels to achieve this progress, the Prime Minister highlighted that in terms of connectivity, Delhi-NCR has witnessed unprecedented improvement over the last decade, noting the presence of modern and wide expressways in the region. “Delhi-NCR is now among the most connected areas in the world in terms of metro network,” said Modi. He further added that the region is equipped with advanced systems like the Namo Bharat rapid rail. He emphasized that in the past 11 years, commuting in Delhi-NCR has become significantly easier compared to earlier times.

Affirming that the commitment to transform Delhi into a world-class city is ongoing, Shri Modi stated that today, everyone has witnessed this progress firsthand. Referring to the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road, the Prime Minister remarked that both roads have been constructed to excellent standards. He noted that following the Peripheral Expressway, the Urban Extension Road will now provide significant support to Delhi’s infrastructure and connectivity.

The projects — the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) — have been developed under the Government’s comprehensive plan to decongest the capital, with the objective of greatly improving connectivity, cutting travel time, and reducing traffic in Delhi and its surrounding areas. These initiatives reflect Prime Minister Modi’s vision of creating world-class infrastructure that enhances ease of living and ensures seamless mobility.

The 10.1 km long Delhi section of Dwarka Expressway has been developed at a cost of around Rs. 5,360 crore. The section will also provide multi-modal connectivity to Yashobhoomi, DMRC Blue Line and Orange Line, upcoming Bijwasan railway station, and Dwarka Cluster Bus Depot.

Underlining a key feature of the Urban Extension Road, stating that it is also helping to free Delhi from its garbage mounds, the Prime Minister informed that millions of tonnes of waste material have been used in the construction of the Urban Extension Road. He remarked that by reducing the garbage mounds, the waste material has been repurposed for road construction. Pointing out the nearby Bhalswa landfill site and acknowledging the severe problems faced by families living in its vicinity, Modi emphasized that the government is actively working to free Delhi residents from such challenges.

Referring to the NCR region, the Prime Minister pointed out the significant increase in the number of airports. He mentioned that flights are now operating from Hindon Airport to several cities, further informing that the Noida airport is also nearing completion. Referring to the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways, the Prime Minister noted that Delhi-NCR had felt the need for these roads for several decades. The Prime Minister proudly stated that today, these expressways are serving the nation with distinction.

Noting that India’s Made-in-India UPI has today become the world’s largest real-time digital payment platform, the Prime Minister highlighted that Indian-made rail coaches and locomotives are now witnessing growing demand in other countries. The Prime Minister remarked that when it comes to road infrastructure and overall infrastructure, India has developed the Gati Shakti platform. He highlighted that the platform contains 1,600 layers of data. He stated that for any project, the platform provides instant access to all relevant conditions and regulatory requirements—whether it involves wildlife, forest areas, rivers, or drains, noting that all such information is available within minutes, enabling projects to progress rapidly.

Modi said that a dedicated university for Gati Shakti has now been established. He emphasized that Gati Shakti has become a powerful and transformative pathway for the nation’s progress.