NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, marking a landmark moment in the development of Uttarakhand and the broader region. Speaking at the event in Dehradun, the PM extended greetings to the people of the country on the occasion of Baisakhi, Bohag Bihu and Puthandu, noting that the inauguration coincides with a period of festive celebration across India.

Paying obeisance to the sacred land of Devbhoomi, the PM noted that the Char Dham Yatra, covering Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, is set to commence in the coming days, a moment awaited with deep devotion by millions across the country. He also offered prayers to Panch Badri, Panch Kedar, Panch Prayag and the revered deities of the region, including Maa Sankatla and Maa Daat Kali, whose temple he visited before the event. "The blessings of Maa Daat Kali have been a great strength in completing a project of this magnitude," said PM Modi.

Marking the occasion of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's birth anniversary, the PM paid tribute to Baba Saheb on behalf of the entire nation. Highlighting Ambedkar's lifelong commitment to justice for the poor and the marginalised, he noted that the government's policies over the past decade have sought to uphold constitutional values, from the abrogation of Article 370 to the elimination of Maoism and Naxalism in dozens of districts. "Uttarakhand has shown the way to the entire country by advancing the constitutional aspiration of a Uniform Civil Code," affirmed PM Modi.

Reflecting on Uttarakhand's journey as a state entering its twenty-sixth year, the PM recalled his earlier declaration that the third decade of this century would be Uttarakhand's decade. He noted that with the current Government's policies and the hard work of the people, the young state continues to add new dimensions to its development. "This expressway will give fresh momentum to Uttarakhand's growth," asserted PM Modi.

The PM remarked that a nation's future is written in its roads, highways, expressways, airways, railways and waterways. Underlining the unprecedented pace of infrastructure development in the country, he pointed out that while infrastructure spending stood at less than ₹2 lakh crore per year before 2014, it has now grown more than sixfold to over ₹12 lakh crore annually. "Infrastructure projects worth more than ₹2.25 lakh crore are currently underway in Uttarakhand alone," affirmed PM Modi.

Enumerating recent developments in the Delhi-Western UP-Uttarakhand region, the PM noted the expansion of Delhi Metro, the launch of Metro services in Meerut, the inauguration of the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Rail, the commencement of the Noida International Airport and MRO facility, all within a short span of time. "Imagine the scale at which infrastructure is being built across the entire country , what is happening in this one small region is just a glimpse of that," remarked PM Modi.

Detailing the transformative benefits of the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, the PM highlighted the project's multi-dimensional impact on the region. He noted that the expressway is set to significantly reduce travel time and costs for commuters, leading to substantial fuel savings and lower freight charges.With an investment of ₹12,000 crore already infused into construction, the project has emerged as a major employment engine, providing livelihoods to thousands of engineers, laborers, and transport workers. PM Modi emphasized that farmers and animal herders will also benefit as their produce reaches larger markets with greater speed. He observed that the corridor, which passes through Ghaziabad, Baghpat, Baraut, Shamli, and Saharanpur, is poised to revitalize these cities in Uttar Pradesh as well. "This is not just a road; it opens new avenues for trade, industry, warehousing, and logistics across the entire region," asserted PM Modi.

Emphasising the tourism potential of the new expressway, the PM noted that Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mussoorie and the Char Dham circuit will all be more accessible. He added that Uttarakhand is increasingly becoming a premier destination for winter tourism, winter sports and destination weddings. Noting the importance of year-round tourism for Uttarakhand's economy, he shared that winter pilgrimages have seen a remarkable surge visits to Adi Kailash and Om Parvat have grown from a few hundred to over 36,000 in 2025, while the Winter Char Dham Yatra saw participation rise from 80,000 in 2024 to over 1.5 lakh in 2025. "When tourism grows, everyone benefits, hotels, dhabas, taxis, home stays, the entire local economy gets a boost," remarked PM Modi.

Stressing the government's commitment to balancing progress with nature and culture, the PM highlighted the construction of a nearly 12-kilometre elevated wildlife corridor as part of the expressway, designed to ensure that animals,  including elephants, face no disruption. He also urged tourists and pilgrims visiting the mountains and forests of Devbhoomi to keep these sacred spaces clean and free of plastic waste. "Our effort is that while infrastructure serves people, the wildlife and natural heritage of these areas must also be protected," emphasised PM Modi.

Looking ahead to the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar next year, the PM called upon all stakeholders to ensure the event is grand, divine and clean. He also spoke about the Nanda Devi Rajjat Yatra, a living example of India's cultural consciousness , where Goddess Nanda is revered as a daughter and bid farewell with full honour, with the significant participation of women making it especially meaningful. "The Rajjat Yatra is not just a journey of faith; it is a testament to our living cultural heritage," asserted PM Modi.

Turning to the issue of women's empowerment, the PM noted that the government remains firmly committed to the safety, security and political participation of women. He recalled that after four decades of waiting, Parliament had passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, guaranteeing 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. He announced that a special discussion has been scheduled in Parliament from April 16 to take this forward. Appealing to all political parties from the soil of Devbhoomi, he urged them to support the amendment to ensure the law comes into effect from the 2029 general elections. "This is the wish of every sister and daughter of this country, and we must fulfil it with unanimity," remarked PM Modi.

Paying tribute to Uttarakhand's proud military tradition from the historic venue of Garhi Cantonment, the PM recalled the valour of martyrs like Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat in the 1962 war. He outlined several welfare measures for ex-servicemen, including disbursement of nearly ₹1.25 lakh crore under One Rank One Pension, a 36 per cent increase in the health scheme budget for veterans, home delivery of medicines for ex-servicemen above 70 years of age, doubling of children's education grants and enhancement of daughters' marriage assistance from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1 lakh. "Strengthening the armed forces and honouring our soldier families are non-negotiable priorities for this government," affirmed PM Modi.

Concluding his address, the PM said that the vision of a Viksit Bharat must encompass progress, nature and culture in equal measure. He extended heartfelt congratulations to the people of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and the entire nation on the inauguration of the expressway. "Combining patriotism, devotion and development across every dimension, that is how we will build a truly Developed India," asserted PM Modi.