TFP Bureau, New Delhi, August 17, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated two major National Highway projects worth nearly ₹11,000 crore in the national capital, describing them as “lifelines of progress” that will ease traffic, strengthen connectivity and boost economic activity across the National Capital Region (NCR).
He inaugurated the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Alipur–Dichaon Kalan stretch of the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II). Addressing a gathering at Rohini, the Prime Minister said, “These roads will save time, cut congestion, help businesses and farmers, and make life easier for crores of people.”
Symbolic Timing and Message
The Prime Minister noted the coincidence of Janmashtami celebrations in Rohini with the inauguration of the Dwarka Expressway, saying the month of August had become the “month of independence and development revolution” for Delhi. He congratulated residents of Delhi-NCR, adding that the benefits would reach traders, entrepreneurs and farmers alike. “This is not just Delhi’s progress; it is India’s progress,” he said.
Delhi as a Model Capital
Reiterating his Independence Day vision of India as an aspirational nation, Mr. Modi said, “When the world looks at India, it first looks at Delhi. It is our responsibility to make Delhi a model of a rising India.” Listing wide expressways, expanding metro lines, the Namo Bharat rapid rail, and a modernized airport, he said Delhi-NCR today stands among the world’s best-connected urban regions.
Push for Green Delhi
Highlighting the environmental aspects of the projects, Mr. Modi said millions of tonnes of waste had been recycled into construction material for UER-II, thereby reducing the size of landfill sites such as Bhalswa. He also referred to ongoing efforts to clean the Yamuna, noting that over 16 lakh tonnes of silt had already been removed. “Green Delhi, Clean Delhi is not just a slogan, it is a mission,” he said, pointing to the rollout of electric buses in the capital.
From Neglect to Progress
The Prime Minister contrasted the current development drive with what he called past neglect of Delhi. “Those in power earlier treated Delhi as entitlement, not responsibility. Today, our government sees people as supreme,” he said. He also recalled how earlier politics sowed distrust between Delhi and Haryana by alleging polluted water supplies. “Now NCR is free from such conspiracies. We are working with unity and trust,” he added.
Reforms and GST Changes Ahead
Calling reforms an expansion of good governance, Mr. Modi said his government was committed to ending unnecessary interference in people’s lives. He cited old laws under which sanitation workers could face jail for missing work. “Such colonial laws are being scrapped. Hundreds have already been repealed,” he said. He also announced the next phase of Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, promising “a Diwali double bonus” with simplified compliance, rationalised rates and greater benefits for the poor and middle class.
Culture, Self-Reliance and Local Industry
Drawing inspiration from both Lord Krishna and Mahatma Gandhi, the Prime Minister said, “To make India stronger, we must draw strength from Shri Krishna. To make India self-reliant, we must follow Gandhiji’s path.” Appealing to citizens to embrace “Vocal for Local,” he cited how Khadi sales had increased seven times in the last decade and noted India’s rising success in mobile phone production, toy exports and global recognition of UPI payments.
Jobs, Industry and Economic Growth
“Every kilometre of highway builds jobs for workers, engineers, suppliers and transporters. Roads are engines of both growth and poverty reduction,” the Prime Minister said, noting that the infrastructure budget had risen sixfold in the past decade.
Delhi Rising Globally
Listing recent landmarks such as the new Parliament building, Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi convention centre, Mr. Modi said Delhi was emerging as “one of the world’s finest capitals.” Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Delhi Lt. Governor V.K. Saxena, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini were present on the occasion.
Project Details
Dwarka Expressway (Delhi Section): 10.1 km, costing ₹5,360 crore, linking Shiv Murti to the Delhi-Haryana border. It connects Yashobhoomi convention centre, metro lines and the upcoming Bijwasan railway station. The 19 km Haryana section was inaugurated in March 2024.
Urban Extension Road-II: 29 km stretch from Alipur to Dichaon Kalan, costing ₹5,580 crore. It will reduce pressure on the Ring Roads, ease choke points like Mukarba Chowk and Dhaula Kuan, and improve goods movement across NCR.
Together, the two projects promise to redefine travel in the capital region and stand as enduring examples of modern Indian infrastructure.
