Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Visit to Uttarakhand and the Inauguration of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Uttarakhand, where he will inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, a significant infrastructure project aimed at boosting connectivity between Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The 18.2-kilometer stretch of the expressway, which includes a 12-kilometer elevated wildlife corridor and a 10.97-kilometer wildlife underpass, is designed to minimize environmental disruption while enhancing transportation efficiency. Key Highlights of the Expressway: Wildlife Corridor: The project features Asia’s longest wildlife corridor, spanning 12 kilometers, which allows elephants and other animals to move freely without human interference. Noise barriers and light control systems are installed to reduce disturbances to wildlife. Elevated Design: The elevated section, 6-7 meters high, ensures safe passage for large animals like elephants, preserving their migratory routes. Underpass Network: The expressway includes 2 elephant-specific underpasses and 8 general animal underpasses, ensuring safe crossings for diverse species. Economic Impact: The expressway will reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from 5 hours to 2.5 hours, boosting tourism and trade. It will connect industrial clusters in Delhi-NCR with manufacturing hubs in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, reducing logistics costs and fostering economic growth. Tourism and Connectivity Boost: The expressway will significantly enhance access to popular tourist destinations such as Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Chakrata. This will facilitate weekend trips and religious pilgrimages, benefiting the hospitality and transport sectors.#uttarakhand #prime_minister_narendra_modi #delhi_dehradun_expressway #wildlife_corridor #char_dham
Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Delayed by Land Dispute Over Mandola House A two-story house in Mandola village, located on the main ramp of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, has become the biggest obstacle to the project’s completion. The structure, named "Swabhiman," is blocking the construction of the expressway, which is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 14, 2026. The dispute has been ongoing for over two decades, with the family of the house’s original owner, Virsen Saroha, locked in a legal battle since 1998. The NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) requires approximately 1,600 square meters of land to complete the main ramp, but the house occupies nearly 1,000 square meters. The remaining 600 square meters are disputed, with the family arguing that they should be compensated at current market rates rather than the rates applicable at the time the project was initiated. Family member Pooja Nehra stated that the government’s acquisition of land for the expressway has displaced the family, and they demand fair compensation based on present-day valuations. The conflict dates back to 1998 when the Uttar Pradesh Housing Development Board issued a notice to acquire land for the Mandola Housing Scheme. While most farmers complied, Virsen Saroha contested the decision and appealed to the High Court, which initially halted the acquisition. The government later shifted focus to the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, transferring the disputed land to the NHAI. However, the house remains in its original location, directly in the path of the main ramp. To mitigate the issue, the NHAI has begun constructing an alternative route using an old housing development road.#supreme_court #nhai #delhi_dehradun_expressway #mandola_house #virsen_saroha
