Dehradun, April 14 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Uttarakhand to inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor on Tuesday, first offering prayers at the Jai Maa Daat Kali Temple.

Upon his arrival, he was greeted by children in traditional outfits who performed the Durga Devi Stotram.

PM Modi engaged with fellow devotees at the temple.

Earlier in the day, he assessed the wildlife corridor along the elevated section of the economic corridor in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, where he was joined by Union Highways and Transportation Minister Nitin Gadkari, UP Governor Anandiben Patel, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Deputy CMs Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak.

An exhibition detailing the construction process of the wildlife corridor was showcased, with officials informing the Prime Minister about the project.

PM Modi also conducted a roadshow along the Wildlife Corridor.

A sizable crowd gathered to see the Prime Minister as he waved to them.

Participants showered flowers upon him while holding the Tricolour and chanting slogans such as "Modi, Modi," "Bharat Mata Ki Jai," and "Jai Shri Ram." Many attendees donned costumes and performed traditional dances to welcome him.

Later, the Prime Minister will officially launch the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor at a public event in Dehradun, where he will address the audience.

The 213 km long, six-lane access-controlled corridor has been developed at a cost exceeding Rs 12,000 crore.

It spans through Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, significantly reducing travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from over six hours to approximately two and a half hours.

The project also includes the construction of 10 interchanges, three Railway Over Bridges (ROBs), four major bridges, and 12 wayside amenities to facilitate seamless high-speed connectivity.

The corridor is equipped with an Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) to ensure a safer and more efficient travel experience for commuters.

Considering the area's ecological sensitivity and rich biodiversity, the corridor has been designed with multiple features to minimize human-animal conflict.

To promote the free movement of wildlife, the project integrates various dedicated wildlife protection elements, including a 12 km-long elevated wildlife corridor, one of the longest in Asia.

Additionally, it includes eight animal passes, two elephant underpasses measuring 200 metres each, and a 370-metre tunnel near the Daat Kali temple.

The Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor is set to play a crucial role in enhancing regional economic growth by improving connectivity between major tourism and economic hubs while creating new opportunities for trade and development throughout the area.

This initiative reflects PM Modi's vision for developing next-generation infrastructure that marries high-speed connectivity with environmental sustainability and improved quality of life for citizens, as stated by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).