PM Modi inaugurates the first phase of Delhi-Meerut Expressway

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of the Delhi-Meerut Expressway today. The project is likely to cost around Rs 4975.17 crore. This will be the first expressway to have dedicated bicycle tracks on the nearly 28 km stretch between Delhi and Dasna.

The Delhi- Meerut Expressway project aims to provide faster and safer connectivity between Delhi and Meerut and beyond this, with Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Modi, after inaugurating the 14-lane highway spanning Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to UP Gate, rode in an open car, waving at crowds gathered on either sides of the highway.


Road Transport and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari too rode in a separate open car alongside Modi.

The total length of the project is 82 km, of which the first 27.74 kms will be 14-laned, while the rest will be 6-lane expressway. The project is being built in four segments -- Nizamuddin Bridge to UP Border, UP Border to Dasna, Dasna to Hapur and Hapur to Meerut.

PM Modi also held a road show which commenced from the Nizamuddin Bridge, the start of the about 9 km first leg of the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, and after a 6-km travel on the stretch, he is scheduled to fly to Baghpat.

Prime Minister also inaugurated the country's first smart and green highway, the Eastern Peripheral Expressway at Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh.

Delhi-Meerut Expressway involves construction of 11 flyovers/interchanges, 5 major and 24 minor bridges, 3 ROBs (rail over bridges), 36 vehicular and 14 pedestrian underpasses. It will also have elevated section of 5.91 kms.

According to officials, work on this stretch was completed within 17 months instead of the 30 that were set aside for it. The commute time between Delhi and Meerut is expected to drop to 45 minutes from the 2.5 hours now.