The Delhi-Saharanpur-Dehradun (DSD) expressway was opened for trial run on Monday. This project is expected to reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun by more than half from 6-6.5 to 2.5 hours. The official inauguration date has not yet been announced.
Uttarakhand: Development, Connectivity and Spiritual Vision
During the silver jubilee celebrations of the Uttarakhand formation last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects totaling over ₹8,140 crores in Dehradun.
Acknowledging that better connectivity is essential for the state’s progress, the Prime Minister emphasized that the projects are worthwhile ₹2 lakh crore is currently underway in Uttarakhand.
Key infrastructure projects mentioned by PM Modi include:
- Ongoing Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Railway Project.
- Almost done Delhi-Dehradun Expressway.
- Foundation stones were laid for two major ropeway projects: Gaurikund-Kedarnath and Govindghat-Hemkund Sahib.
“Spiritual Capital of the World”
PM Modi has articulated a grand vision for Uttarakhand, saying it has the potential to become the “spiritual capital of the world”. This will be achieved by leveraging its ancient heritage, temple and wellness traditions and connecting them with global networks of yoga, meditation and spirituality. He emphasized that the state’s deep spiritual strength and rich heritage are defining factors in shaping India’s global identity.
“The real identity of Uttarakhand lies in its spiritual strength. If Uttarakhand makes up its mind, it can establish itself as the spiritual capital of the world in a few years. The temples, ashrams, meditation and yoga centers here can be connected to the global network. People from all over India and abroad are already coming here for wellness,” PM Modi said.
