New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the Dwarka Expressway and the Delhi section of the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II), calling the projects a landmark step in making the national capital a global model of urban development.
Speaking at a public event in Rohini, coinciding with the Janmashtami festivities, the Prime Minister said the new infrastructure would transform connectivity for Delhi, Gurugram, and the wider NCR region.
“This is a festival of development in the national capital. With Dwarka Expressway and Urban Extension Road, commuting will become easier, industries and farmers will benefit, and time and fuel will be saved,” he said.
Delhi as a Model Capital
PM Modi underlined that the world evaluates India by looking at its capital, and Delhi must reflect the aspirations of a rising nation.
“We have to make Delhi such a model of development where everyone feels this is the capital of a developing India,” he said, highlighting the BJP-led Centre’s efforts over the last 11 years to boost roads, metro connectivity, and rapid rail systems in NCR.
The Prime Minister also pointed out an innovative feature of UER-II—its construction used lakhs of tonnes of waste material from landfill sites like Bhalswa.
“Delhi is not only getting modern roads but also relief from garbage mountains,” he remarked.
Push for Clean and Green Delhi
He praised the BJP government in Delhi under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for its efforts to clean the Yamuna, noting the removal of 16 lakh metric tonnes of silt, and the induction of 650 electric buses with plans to scale up to 2,000.
“This strengthens the mantra of Green Delhi-Clean Delhi,” he said.
Infrastructure, Jobs and Reforms
Modi emphasised that the last decade has seen six-fold growth in infrastructure spending, rapid completion of long-pending projects, and significant job creation through large-scale construction. He announced upcoming GST reforms aimed at simplifying taxation and providing relief to families, traders, and entrepreneurs by Diwali.
“This Diwali, the people of India will get a double bonus from GST reform. Our effort is to make life and business easier,” the Prime Minister stated.
Vocal for Local and Self-Reliance
Invoking both Lord Krishna (Chakradhari Mohan) and Mahatma Gandhi (Charkhadhari Mohan), Modi urged citizens and businesses to adopt “Vocal for Local” as a life mantra. He cited the revival of Khadi, the growth of Made in India mobile phones, and the global recognition of UPI as examples of self-reliance.
“If you are an Indian, buy only products made in India. This step will strengthen our economy and directly benefit our workers and farmers,” he urged.
Vision for Delhi
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister listed new landmarks like Kartavya Bhawan, Bharat Mandapam, and Yashobhoomi, and expressed confidence that Delhi would soon emerge as one of the world’s best capitals, blending India’s heritage with its modern aspirations.
“With the strength of our people, Delhi will set new benchmarks as a global capital,” Modi said, extending congratulations to the people of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan for the region’s development journey.