PM Modi Launches Major Highways To Transform Delhi-NCR Travel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated two landmark highway projects, the Delhi stretches of the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) and the Dwarka Expressway, developed at a total investment of ₹11,000 crore.

The projects aim to alleviate traffic congestion in Delhi and strengthen connectivity across the National Capital Region (NCR).

Speaking at the inauguration in Rohini, PM Modi said, “Delhi has become a shining example of the development that is taking place in the country.”

He further highlighted that the highways would save time, ease travel, and benefit residents, traders, and farmers.

The 54.21 km Delhi section of UER-II, costing ₹5,580 crore, runs from Alipur to Dichaon Kalan, passing through Bawana, Rohini, Mundka, Bakkarwala, Najafgarh, and Dwarka. Conceived as Delhi’s third ring road under the Delhi Master Plan 2021, the six-lane highway includes new links to Bahadurgarh and Sonipat.

Officials estimate that the corridor will reduce travel time from IGI Airport to southwest and northwest Delhi by 40–60 per cent, while improving connectivity from Chandigarh to Gurugram and the capital’s airport.

Sections around Najafgarh, Mundka, and Alipur have already opened, benefitting underdeveloped areas including Karala, Alipur, and Bawana.

Dwarka Expressway Enhances Airport & NCR Connectivity

The 10.1 km Delhi stretch of the Dwarka Expressway, built at ₹5,360 crore, connects IGI Airport to UER-II, Gurugram, and Dwarka, including a direct route to Yashobhoomi in Dwarka Sector 25.

The expressway integrates with Delhi Metro’s Blue and Orange Lines, the upcoming Bijwasan railway station, and the Dwarka cluster bus depot.

The 19 km Haryana section was inaugurated in March 2024, completing the 28 km corridor at a cost of ₹8,611 crore.

The expressway has already reduced travel time for key areas in the capital, including Dwarka, Mahipalpur, Vasant Kunj, and Najafgarh.

Construction incorporated two million tonnes of waste from the Ghazipur landfill into UER-II, reducing the waste mound height by seven metres.

NHAI officials highlighted the use of inert materials from biomined legacy waste for embankments, subgrade layering, and service roads, promoting sustainable infrastructure while cutting costs and emissions.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari credited PM Modi’s vision for decongesting Delhi and enhancing NCR connectivity.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described UER-II as a ‘historic gift’ for the city, emphasising its role in reducing congestion, improving the industrial corridor network, and lowering pollution.

Gupta added that the highway integrates with the Delhi-Jaipur National Highway, KMP Expressway, and Gurugram-Sohna Highway, providing faster access to Chandigarh, Punjab, Jaipur, Jammu and Kashmir, and Mumbai.

“UER-II will serve as a backbone of high-speed connectivity, linking Delhi not just with NCR but with the entire nation,” she said.

While transport experts note that new roads may shift congestion to other areas, the UER-II and Dwarka Expressway mark a significant step forward in Delhi-NCR’s infrastructural development.

Also Read: Amit Shah Expresses Concern Over Kathua Cloudburst; Assures Full Support