India's First Elevated Highway, Dwarka Expressway, Inaugurated by PM Modi: Here's What You Need to Know
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Haryana section of the Dwarka Expressway, marking a significant milestone in India's infrastructure development. The elevated highway aims to enhance traffic flow and connectivity between Delhi and Gurugram on National Highway-48. Let's delve into the key details of this remarkable project. Key Details of Dwarka Expressway The Dwarka Expressway spans a total length of 29 km, with 18.9 km falling within Haryana and the remaining 10.1 km in Delhi. It stands as India's first elevated 8-lane access control urban expressway, with a width of 34 meters and a length of 9 kilometers. The primary objective of the expressway is to provide direct connectivity between the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi and Gurugram Bypass. Significance and Cost of the Project Constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 9,000 crore, the Dwarka Expressway is a part of the government's highway development plan in the National Capital Region (NCR) with a budget of Rs 60,000 crore. The project aims to alleviate congestion in the national capital, enhancing the overall transportation network. Its Delhi section near the IGI Airport features an eight-lane, 3.6-kilometer shallow tunnel, designed to address security concerns and minimize interference with airport radar systems. The tunnel has the capacity to accommodate heavy traffic, approximately 40,000 cars per day, and includes emergency exits and a dedicated control room. Construction and Phases The construction of the Dwarka Expressway was carried out in four phases. The first phase spans from Shiv Murti in Mahipalpur to Bijwasan, covering a distance of 5.9 km. The second phase stretches from Bijwasan Rail-over-Bridge (ROB) to the Delhi-Haryana border in Gurgaon, covering 4.2 km. The third phase covers the distance from the Delhi-Haryana border to Basai ROB, spanning 10.2 km in Haryana. Finally, the fourth phase extends from Basai to the Kherki Daula cloverleaf interchange, covering a distance of 8.7 km. Each phase was meticulously planned and executed to ensure the timely completion of the project. Improving Connectivity and Economic Growth The Dwarka Expressway holds immense potential to boost connectivity and facilitate economic growth in the region. It will improve the overall transportation network, making commuting between Delhi and Gurugram more efficient and convenient. The seamless connectivity to the IGI Airport will also benefit the tourism and hospitality sectors, promoting further investment and development in the region. Inauguration and Future Prospects The foundation stone for the Dwarka Expressway project was laid on March 9, 2019, by former Union ministers Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, and Nitin Gadkari. The recent inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi marks a significant milestone in the completion of this ambitious infrastructure project. The expressway is expected to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce travel time, and enhance overall transportation efficiency.