Delhi to Haridwar in 90 Minutes From Next Month? Nitin Gadkari Announces New Expressway

Travel between Delhi and Haridwar could soon become much faster. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced plans to open a new road connection next month. The project aims to reduce the journey to approximately 90 minutes. Gadkari shared this update on Tuesday at the Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) National Conference. The event focused on the future of Indian highways, including safety and sustainability. However, the exact opening date and operational details remain to be confirmed. The proposed connection could benefit tourists, pilgrims, and regular travellers. It may also improve road connectivity between Delhi and important destinations across Uttarakhand.

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Delhi-Meerut and Delhi-Dehradun Routes Set New Travel Benchmarks

Gadkari highlighted how highway development has reduced travel times between major cities. He said the journey from Delhi to Meerut previously took around three-and-a-half hours. Improved road infrastructure has now reduced it to approximately 40–50 minutes. He also discussed the Delhi-Dehradun route, where travel time has reportedly fallen from seven hours to around two hours. Gadkari said the upcoming Delhi-Haridwar connection would further improve regional connectivity. The proposed 90-minute journey could make weekend trips and religious visits more convenient. However, actual travel times may vary depending on the starting point, traffic conditions, and the route travellers choose.

Gadkari also provided an update on the Char Dham road development project in Uttarakhand. According to the minister, approximately 80–85% of the project had been completed. He said traffic from Delhi to religious destinations in Uttarakhand had increased threefold. The government expects improved highways to support religious tourism and create employment opportunities. Gadkari also highlighted infrastructure projects in Ayodhya and Maharashtra. These include the Pandharpur Palkhi Marg developments, which aim to improve access for pilgrims. Better road connectivity can make religious journeys easier and support businesses along major travel routes. However, the broader economic impact will depend on tourism demand and the effective completion of these projects.

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Government Focuses on Expressways and Green Highways

The minister said the government was prioritising expressways and green express highways to strengthen India’s road network. He explained that infrastructure projects generate employment during construction. They also increase demand for essential materials, including cement and steel. Gadkari described infrastructure spending as a backbone of the Indian economy. He further claimed that every ₹100 invested in infrastructure could generate an economic impact of ₹325. Such investments can improve transport efficiency and strengthen regional economic links. The government aims to connect more cities, towns, and remote districts through modern highways. These improvements could also help businesses transport goods faster and reduce travel difficulties for commuters.

Gadkari cited the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway as an example of how new highways can connect regions with economic centres. He said greenfield road projects could improve access for tribal districts and underserved areas. Better connectivity may help local businesses reach larger markets and create new economic opportunities. The minister also emphasised India’s potential as a tourism destination. Improved highways could encourage more people to visit religious sites, cultural attractions, and other tourist destinations. The proposed Delhi-Haridwar connection could contribute to these efforts by making travel more convenient. However, travellers should check official announcements before finalising their plans, as the opening schedule and actual journey time may change.

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