Amritsar: In a monumental development, the ambitious Delhi-Amritsar-Katra (DAK) greenfield expressway, which is currently under construction, is set to redefine travel between these key destinations. Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, made this groundbreaking announcement after inspecting the ongoing road project. He revealed that this expressway would significantly reduce travel times, bringing Delhi to Amritsar within four hours and Delhi to Katra within six hours, once completed.
The colossal infrastructure project is being undertaken at a staggering cost of Rs 40,000 crore, making it one of India’s most substantial road development initiatives. Gadkari emphasized that with the DAK expressway’s construction, the distance between Delhi and Katra, which currently stands at 727 km, would be trimmed by 58 km. This reduction in travel distance is poised to not only save time but also make transportation more efficient and cost-effective.
The DAK expressway spans an impressive 669 kilometers, with specific segments being developed in different regions. Gadkari outlined the division of this massive endeavor, with 137 kilometers in Haryana, 399 kilometers in Punjab, and 135 kilometers in Jammu and Kashmir. In Punjab, the construction is underway for 296 kilometers, while in Jammu and Kashmir, the work has commenced on 120 kilometers of the expressway.
A game-changer in regional connectivity, the DAK expressway will traverse several crucial locations in Punjab, including industrial hubs such as Patiala, Sangrur, Malerkotla, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, and Gurudaspur. The road network will not only facilitate faster transportation but also foster economic growth in these regions, creating a ripple effect that can boost commerce, industry, and employment opportunities.
Union Minister Gadkari’s announcement of the expressway’s potential to reduce travel times between Delhi, Amritsar, and Katra reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing the country’s infrastructure and transportation networks. The DAK expressway will not only save time but also make these journeys more convenient and accessible, making it a crucial milestone in India’s road infrastructure development. With shorter travel times, improved connectivity, and more efficient routes, this expressway stands as a testament to the nation’s vision for a prosperous and well-connected future.