The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi dedicated India’s first access control highway, Kundli-Ghaziabad-Palwal (KGP Expressway) to the Nation today. Narendra Modi arrived at the KGP Helipad at Sonipat district at 11:30 am where he was accorded warm welcome by Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Lal, Urban Local Bodies Minister Mrs Kavita Jain and Member of Parliament Mr Ramesh Kaushik. Mr Modi was also accompanied by Union Minister of Road, Transport and Highways Mr Nitin Gadkari.As per his scheduled programme, Mr Modi inaugurated the Digital Art Gallery of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) at the toll plaza in Jakhauli village of the district. Earlier, at the main entrance of the Gallery, Mr Modi viewed the map of KGP Expressway and saw as how the KGP and KMP would change the picture of national capital Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) area. Later, Mr Modi went around the Digital Art Gallery where he was informed in detail about the journey right from the beginning of construction work of KGP Expressway till is completion by using 3D technique. These included acquisition of land for the Expressway, redressal of grievances related to farmers, beginning of ground work on the Expressway, strategy for the timely completion of work, technique used in the construction work, use of solar energy, plantation and benefits of the Expressway for the people of Delhi and other areas.Secretary of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Mr Yudhvir Singh Malik apprised Mr Modi that the construction of this Highway has been completed in 500 days instead of 910 days. This is a record in itself and would prove to be a milestone in the field of highway construction.
He informed that the Kundli-Ghaziabad-Palwal (KGP) Expressway (Eastern Peripheral Expressway) has been constructed by NHAI to ease the traffic congestion in Delhi. A sum of Rs 5,763 crore has been spent on this six-lane and 135 kilometers long highway, he said adding that this is the country’s first access control highway and the vehicle would be charged toll on the basis of distance covered. He said that arrangement of rain water harvesting has been made at every 500 meters on the both sides of this Highway. The entire Highway is powered by solar energy, he added.The 36 famous monuments depicting India’s rich culture and heritage like India Gate, Gate Way of India, Ashoka’s Pillar have been set up on both sides of this expressway. The Digital Art Gallery has been constructed by NHAI to acquaint the coming generation and the visitors about the technique used in the construction of India’s first access control highway, obstacles faced in the process and other works. Eighteen displays have been prepared in the gallery in which all information concerning the construction of the Highway has been incorporated. This information would not only enhance the knowledge of people but also prove to be beneficial for the students of engineering and research.Mr Modi congratulated NHAI and engineers, officers, employees and workers engaged in the construction of Highway for their outstanding work.Among those other present on this occasion included Chief Secretary, Mr. D.S Dhesi, Director General of Police (DGP) Mr B. S Sandhu, Deputy Commissioner, Sonipat Mr Vinay Singh, SSP Mr Satyendra Gupta and Media Advisor to Chief Minister Mr Rajiv Jain.