Gurugram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 112 National Highway projects across the nation, collectively valued at approximately Rs. One lakh crore. The ceremony, held in Gurugram, Haryana, marked a significant departure from the conventional practice of hosting such events in the national capital, symbolizing the government’s commitment to decentralizing developmental efforts.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the transformative impact of the infrastructure development projects, heralding a shift from challenges to opportunities. He highlighted the completion of long-pending projects like the Dwarka Expressway, stressing the government’s dedication to turning obstacles into avenues for growth.
The Haryana section of the Dwarka Expressway, inaugurated during the event, spans 19 km and costs around Rs. 4,100 crore. It promises to enhance connectivity between Delhi and Gurugram on NH-48, providing a vital link to the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. The project includes the construction of two packages: a 10.2 km stretch from Delhi-Haryana Border to Basai Rail-over-Bridge (ROB) and an 8.7 km section from Basai ROB to Kherki Daula.
The Prime Minister praised the efforts of the Haryana government, especially Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, in ensuring the timely completion of infrastructure projects. He commended their commitment to modernizing the state’s infrastructure, crucial for the progress of both Haryana and India.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi reiterated the holistic vision for infrastructure development in the Delhi-NCR region. He emphasized the completion of major projects such as the Dwarka Expressway, Peripheral Expressways, and the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, aimed at easing traffic congestion and reducing pollution in the region.
Highlighting the link between infrastructure development and poverty alleviation, Prime Minister Modi discussed the emergence of new possibilities in rural India, driven by digital infrastructure and access to essential services. He projected that the rapid pace of infrastructure construction would propel India to become the third-largest economic power in the world.
The ceremony witnessed the unveiling of various other projects, including the 9.6 km long six-lane Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) in Delhi, Lucknow Ring Road in Uttar Pradesh, Anandapuram – Pendurthi – Anakapalli section of NH16 in Andhra Pradesh, Kiratpur to Nerchowk section of NH-21 in Himachal Pradesh, Dobaspet – Heskote section in Karnataka, and many others across different states, totaling more than Rs. 20,500 crores.
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for additional projects, including the Bengaluru – Kadappa – Vijayawada Expressway in Andhra Pradesh, Belgaum – Hungund – Raichur Section of NH-748A in Karnataka, Shamli – Ambala Highway in Haryana, Amritsar – Bathinda corridor in Punjab, and 39 other projects valued at Rs. 32,700 crores across the country.
These initiatives signify the government’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure development, strengthening the economy, and creating employment opportunities for the nation’s youth. Prime Minister Modi concluded by stating that the focus is on development, with the pace set to increase manifold in the next five years.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including Governor of Haryana Bandaru Dattatreya, Chief Minister Manohar Lal, Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Rao Inderjit Singh, Krishan Pal, and Deputy Chief Minister of Haryana Dushayant Chautala.