“HISTORIC HIGHWAY INAUGURATIONS BY PM MODI IN DELHI SET TO REVOLUTIONIZE CITY’S INFRASTRUCTURE”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, August 17, 2025, inaugurated two mega infrastructure projects in Delhi — the Delhi stretch of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II). Built at a combined cost of ₹11,000 crore, these projects are expected to revolutionise connectivity across Delhi-NCR, ease traffic bottlenecks, and contribute to the transformation of the national capital into a “world-class city.”
The inauguration ceremony, held in Rohini, witnessed a large turnout, including Union ministers, state leaders, and thousands of residents. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister emphasised the government’s vision of positioning Delhi among the finest capitals of the world.
“Delhi should be developed not just as India’s capital but as one of the most modern capitals globally, reflecting the confidence of a new, developing India,” Mr. Modi said. “Over the last 11 years, commuting in Delhi-NCR has become significantly easier with modern expressways, advanced Namo Bharat rapid rail, and a vast metro network. Today’s inauguration is yet another milestone in that journey.”
Connectivity Boost for Delhi-NCR
The 29-km Delhi stretch of the Dwarka Expressway will improve links between Gurgaon and Delhi, offering an alternate route to the often-congested NH-48. Meanwhile, UER-II, a 75-km-long project, is designed to decongest Delhi’s Inner and Outer Ring Roads, along with several critical choke points including Mukarba Chowk, Dhaula Kuan, and NH-09. According to project estimates, travel time from the Singhu Border in North Delhi to the Indira Gandhi International Airport will be reduced to just 40 minutes.
“Connectivity across NCR will take a big leap forward with the inauguration of the Delhi section of Dwarka Expressway and UER-II,” the Prime Minister also wrote in a post on X, underlining how the projects would integrate the capital more seamlessly with the wider region.
Waste to Roads: A Green Initiative
A unique feature of UER-II is the extensive use of recycled material in its construction. Millions of tonnes of legacy waste, particularly from the Bhalswa landfill site, have been repurposed for road-building.
Highlighting this innovation, Mr. Modi said, “These projects are not just about connectivity; they also represent our vision of sustainable development. Waste from Bhalswa, which was once a symbol of urban decay, has now been reused to build World-class roads. This is part of our broader effort to free Delhi from garbage mounds and transform waste into wealth.”
The Prime Minister also noted that such initiatives generate employment opportunities, create cleaner environments, and ease the daily lives of citizens.
Delhi’s Rising Global Profile
In his speech, Mr. Modi placed the new road projects within the larger narrative of Delhi’s ongoing transformation into a global capital.He pointed to several recently completed projects, including the new Central Secretariat building — Kartavya Bhavan, the new Parliament building, and world-class venues such as Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan and Yashobhoomi in Dwarka.
“These landmarks are not just infrastructure projects; they represent India’s rising stature on the global stage,” he said. “Delhi is emerging as a Capital that bridges India’s glorious past with its promising future. From being the seat of ancient empires to now hosting some of the most modern business and cultural venues, Delhi reflects the journey of a resurgent India.”
Regional Alignment and Future Plans
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, who also spoke at the event, estimated that the new expressway and UER-II will reduce Delhi’s traffic load by as much as 50%.
Mr. Gadkari also announced a new proposal for a 5-km twin-tube tunnel that will connect the Shiv Murti intersection on the Dwarka Expressway to Nelson Mandela Marg. “The tunnel will run 20-40 metres deep beneath Delhi’s southern Ridge, ensuring no disturbance to the surface ecosystem. This will further ease traffic movement and provide seamless connectivity to the airport and southern parts of Delhi,” he explained.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini also attended the event. With BJP governments currently in power in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, Mr. Modi highlighted the “unique alignment” that allows coordinated planning and execution of infrastructure development in the region.
“Recognising this opportunity, the government is fully committed to the holistic development of Delhi-NCR. These projects are part of our vision to make NCR one of the most dynamic and connected urban regions in the world,” the Prime Minister said.
Towards a World-Class Delhi
The inauguration of the Dwarka Expressway and UER-II marks another step in the Modi government’s push to modernise India’s capital. By combining sustainability, cutting-edge technology, and efficient planning, these projects embody the vision of a Delhi that is not only globally competitive but also more liveable for its residents.
As Delhi continues to expand and evolve, the projects inaugurated on Sunday stand as symbols of India’s determination to build infrastructure that matches its ambitions.
With reduced congestion, greener practices, and futuristic designs, they represent the foundation of a capital city ready to take its place among the world’s with reduced congestion, greener practices, and futuristic designs, Delhi is steadily transforming into a capital city that mirrors the aspirations of a modern, sustainable nation. The city’s urban landscape is witnessing a remarkable shift — from chaotic streets to smarter, well-planned infrastructure designed to ease mobility and enhance liveability. New flyovers, expressways, and metro expansions have significantly reduced travel time, cutting down vehicular pollution and making commuting more efficient for millions of residents. At the same time, green initiatives — including the expansion of eco-parks, large-scale tree plantations, and the promotion of electric vehicles are redefining the city’s environmental outlook.
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