Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two major National Highway projects worth a combined cost of nearly Rs 11,000 crore at Rohini in Delhi today, August 17, 2025.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister remarked on the significance of the location, stating that the name of the expressway is “Dwarka,” and the programme is being held at “Rohini.”
Highlighting that the month of August is imbued with the colours of freedom and revolution, Modi remarked that amid the celebrations of Azadi Ka Mahotsav, the national capital Delhi is today witnessing a development revolution.
He informed that earlier in the day, Delhi received enhanced connectivity through the Dwarka Expressway and Urban Extension Road which will improve convenience for the people of Delhi, Gurugram, and the entire NCR region.
He added that commuting to offices and factories will become easier, saving time for everyone. The Prime Minister emphasized that traders, entrepreneurs, and farmers will greatly benefit from this connectivity. He also extended his congratulations to all residents of Delhi-NCR for these modern road infrastructure developments.
Recalling his address from the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15, 2025, where he spoke in detail about the nation’s economy, self-reliance, and self-confidence, the Prime Minister said, “today’s India is defined by its aspirations, dreams, and resolutions—elements that the entire world is now experiencing”.
He further stated that when the world looks at India and evaluates its progress, its first glance falls upon the national capital. Modi emphasized the need to develop Delhi as a model of growth, where everyone can truly feel that this is the capital of a developing and confident India.
Stating that over the past 11 years, the government has consistently worked at various levels to achieve this progress, the Prime Minister highlighted that in terms of connectivity, Delhi-NCR has witnessed unprecedented improvement over the last decade, noting the presence of modern and wide expressways in the region.
“Delhi-NCR is now among the most connected areas in the world in terms of metro network”, said Modi, adding that that the region is equipped with advanced systems like the Namo Bharat rapid rail.
He emphasized that in the past 11 years, commuting in Delhi-NCR has become significantly easier compared to earlier times.
Affirming that the commitment to transform Delhi into a world-class city is ongoing, Modi stated that today, everyone has witnessed this progress first hand. Referring to the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road, the Prime Minister remarked that both roads have been constructed to excellent standards. He noted that following the Peripheral Expressway, the Urban Extension Road will now provide significant support to Delhi’s infrastructure and connectivity.
Underlining a key feature of the Urban Extension Road (UER), stating that it is also helping to free Delhi from its garbage mounds, the Prime Minister informed that millions of tonnes of waste material have been used in the construction of the Urban Extension Road. He remarked that by reducing the garbage mounds, the waste material has been repurposed for road construction.
Pointing out the nearby Bhalswa landfill site and acknowledging the severe problems faced by families living in its vicinity, Modi emphasized that the government is actively working to free Delhi residents from such challenges.
Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that under the leadership of Rekha Gupta, the Delhi government is consistently engaged in cleaning the Yamuna River. He shared that 16 lakh metric tonnes of silt have already been removed from the Yamuna.
Modi further noted that within a short span of time, 650 DEVI (Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector) electric buses have been launched in Delhi. He added that the fleet of electric buses in the city is soon expected to cross 2,000, emphasising that this initiative strengthens the mantra of “Green Delhi–Clean Delhi.”
Prime Minister stated that in Delhi, those who once lived in slums without permanent housing are now receiving pucca homes. He highlighted that areas previously lacking basic amenities such as electricity, water, and gas connections are now being equipped with these essential services.
Speaking about the national progress, Modi remarked that in the past 11 years, a record number of roads have been constructed across the country. He noted the ongoing transformation of railway stations and expressed pride in modern trains like Vande Bharat, adding that airports are now being developed in smaller cities.
Referring to the NCR region, the Prime Minister pointed out the significant increase in the number of airports. He mentioned that flights are now operating from Hindon Airport to several cities, further informing that the Noida airport is also nearing completion.
Modi stated that such progress has only been possible because the country has changed its outdated approaches over the past decade. He emphasized that the level of infrastructure the nation required, and the pace at which it needed to be built, was not achieved in the past.
Referring to the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways, the Prime Minister noted that Delhi-NCR had felt the need for these roads for several decades. He mentioned that during the previous government, files related to these projects began moving, but actual work commenced only when the people gave their party the opportunity to serve.
He highlighted that the roads became a reality when our governments were formed at both the Centre and in Haryana. The Prime Minister proudly stated that today, these expressways are serving the nation with distinction.
Highlighting that the indifference towards development projects was not limited to Delhi-NCR, but was prevalent across the entire country, Modi pointed out that earlier, the budget allocated for infrastructure was very low, and even the sanctioned projects would take years to complete.
He underlined that in the past 11 years, the infrastructure budget has been increased more than six-fold. The Prime Minister emphasized that the current focus is on the rapid completion of projects, which is why initiatives like the Dwarka Expressway are now being realized. He remarked that the substantial investment in these projects is not only creating facilities but also generating large-scale employment.
Explaining that massive construction activities provide work to lakhs of individuals—from labourers to engineers, Modi added that the use of construction materials boosts employment in associated factories and shops. He also noted that the transport and logistics sectors are witnessing increased job opportunities due to these developments.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena, Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister of Haryana, Nayab Singh Saini, Union Ministers of State, Ajay Tamta, Harsh Malhotra were present among others at the event.
Delhi-Dwarka Expressway, Urban Extension Road-II Inaugurated
The projects — the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) — have been developed under the government’s comprehensive plan to decongest the capital, with the objective of greatly improving connectivity, cutting travel time, and reducing traffic in Delhi and its surrounding areas, said the PMO in a statement.
The 10.1 km long Delhi section of Dwarka Expressway has been developed at a cost of around Rs 5,360 crore. The section will also provide Multi-modal connectivity to Yashobhoomi, DMRC Blue line and Orange line, upcoming Bijwasan railway station and Dwarka cluster Bus Depot. This section comprises:
- Package I: 5.9 km from Shiv Murti intersection to the Road Under Bridge (RUB) at Dwarka Sector-21.
- Package II: 4.2 km from Dwarka Sector-21 RUB to the Delhi-Haryana Border, providing direct connectivity to Urban Extension Road-II.
The 19 km long Haryana section of the Dwarka Expressway was earlier inaugurated by the Prime Minister in March 2024.
Prime Minister also inaugurated the Alipur to Dichaon Kalan stretch of Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) along with new links to Bahadurgarh and Sonipat, built at a cost of around Rs 5,580 crore.
It will ease traffic on Delhi’s Inner and Outer Ring Roads and busy points like Mukarba Chowk, Dhaula Kuan, and NH-09. The new spurs will give direct access to Bahadurgarh and Sonipat, improve industrial connectivity, cut city traffic, and speed up goods movement in the NCR.
