PM opens two major highways

The Delhi-Meerut Expressway, stretching from Nizammudin Bridge to Delhi-UP border wascompleted in 18 months. The 135-km-long Eastern Peripheral Expressway or EPE, that was dedicated by Modi in Baghpat in UP, was built in 17 months.

Asserting that infrastructure is a key priority for his government, Modi also said that Rs 3 lakh crore has been spent on laying a network of 28,000 km of highways.

EPE is India’s first highway to be lit by solar power besides provisions of rain water harvesting every 500 metre on both sides. It also showcases 36 national monuments and 40 fountains. There are 8 solar power plants on this expressway having a capacity of 4000-kilo watt (4 MW). The Supreme Court on May 10 had directed the NHAI to throw open the Eastern Peripheral Expressway for the public by May 31, asking why were they “waiting” for its inauguration by the Prime Minister. The apex court had said if the 135-km Expressway is not inaugurated on or before May 31, it should be thrown open for the public to ease congestion. The expressway is expected to bring down the pollution level in the national capital by 27 percent.

The 14-lane Delhi-Meerut Expressway stretches 8.716 km.

Modi, after inaugurating the 14-lane Delhi-Meerut Expressway, 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 PM Modi.