PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival in Dehradun on Tuesday is expected to bring about major developments for the State. The formal inauguration of the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor and the nation’s first variable speed pump storage plant in Tehri are set to bring about a drastic change in Dehradun and other parts of the State. The Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, which is expected to cut the travel time between the two cities to about 2.5 hours has become a reality after a wait of about six years. While some citizens are apprehensive about the drastic rise in vehicular traffic in Dehradun and neighbouring cities as a result of the expressway, many point out that on the other hand, it will also make travel more convenient from Dehradun to Delhi. According to sources, the PM is slated to inspect a section of the expressway by road. This section also includes the 12-kilometre elevated wildlife corridor, said to be Asia’s longest. According to the State government, the expressway will not just enhance connectivity between Delhi and Dehradun but also make the Char Dham Yatra more convenient and result in an increased tourist footfall. With less than three hours needed to travel by road from Delhi to Dehradun, a greater number of visitors are expected to travel more frequently between the two cities. This also gains relevance as a considerable number of natives of Dehradun and neighbouring cities either work or study in Delhi while many have family and relatives there, apart from business travellers. Observers also point out that in the past, PM Modi offering prayers at Kedarnath and Adi Kailash had resulted in a major rise in the number of visitors to these locations. The PM is slated to offer prayers at the Dat Kali Mandir at the entrance to Dehradun. Though this shrine to the goddess is very popular, especially among Doonites, it may also witness a further rise in visitors following the PM’s visit. In addition to the expressway, the PM will also inaugurated the nation’s first variable speed pump storage plant in Tehri. This 1,000 MW capacity plant has been built by the THDC India Limited as part of the Tehri hydro power complex. It will generate additional electricity between the upper and lower reservoirs of the Tehri hydro power project. Officials aver that this plant will be a milestone in the nation’s energy journey.
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