Veteran leader Nitish Kumar on Tuesday stepped down as the Chief Minister of Bihar, bringing an end to his long tenure at the helm of the state’s politics. The announcement was made shortly after he met Governor Syed Ata Hasnain and formally submitted his resignation at the Raj Bhavan. Kumar, who is the longest-serving Chief Minister of Bihar, shared the development through a post on social media following a cabinet meeting earlier in the day. Resignation follows cabinet meeting and meeting with Governor The 75-year-old leader arrived at the Governor’s residence accompanied by senior leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, JD(U) national working president Sanjay Jha, and state minister Vijay Choudhary. Speaking after submitting his resignation, Kumar said he had taken the decision voluntarily after serving the people of Bihar for several years. He added that a new government would now take charge of the state’s administration, and he would extend full support and guidance to the incoming leadership. Highlights long tenure and development initiatives Reflecting on his time in office, Kumar pointed to the work carried out under his leadership since the formation of the NDA government in Bihar in November 2005. He said the state witnessed improvements in governance, infrastructure, and public services during this period. Kumar highlighted efforts across sectors such as education, healthcare, road development, electricity, and agriculture. He also emphasised initiatives aimed at the welfare of women, youth, and marginalised communities, stating that development efforts were inclusive and targeted all sections of society. Focus on future roadmap and ‘7 Nishchay-3’ plan The outgoing Chief Minister also referred to the government’s future development roadmap under the “7 Nishchay-3” programme, designed for the 2025–2030 period. He expressed confidence that the initiative would accelerate Bihar’s progress and strengthen its position among India’s leading states. Kumar acknowledged the support of the central government and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for continued cooperation in Bihar’s development. Political transition underway in Bihar With Kumar’s resignation, attention has now shifted to the formation of a new government in the state. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which is the single largest party in the 243-member Bihar Assembly with 89 MLAs, is expected to play a key role in the leadership transition. The NDA alliance in Bihar commands a strong majority, with support from JD(U), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha, and Rashtriya Lok Morcha. Leaders such as Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi are part of the alliance. Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been appointed as the central observer for the election of the BJP legislature party leader and is expected to oversee the process in Patna. End of an era in Bihar politics Kumar’s resignation marks a significant moment in Bihar’s political landscape, given his long-standing influence and multiple terms as Chief Minister. As the state prepares for a leadership transition, political observers will be closely watching the next steps in government formation and the direction of governance in the coming years.
14 April,2026 04:23 PM IST | Patna | mid-day online correspondentGautam Buddha Nagar Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) on Tuesday said that over 350 people have been arrested in connection with the recent workers' protests. Senior police officers also claimed that the accused, who have been arrested, were "misusing" social media platforms to spread rumours and misinformation, news agency ANI reported. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, ACP Rajeev Narain Mishra further said that a section of people had been actively circulating false information through newly created digital networks, including WhatsApp bots and social media platforms, and a case was filed against them. "We arrested over 350 people. Some were misusing social media, spreading rumours, and providing false information. Some were spreading misleading information through newly created WhatsApp bots and Twitter. Considering the sensitivity of this, a case has been filed against them. Today, workers are returning to work in many companies. In some places, some workers came and demanded that their demands be met. We have discussed with them patiently and explained it to them," said Mishra. He also informed that the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister has formed a high-level committee which had visited the spot on Monday to assess the situation. "The Chief Minister has formed a high-level committee. That committee made a physical visit yesterday, and many decisions have been made in the interest of the workers...We have CCTV footage and digital evidence, and those who have been caught were involved in some kind of disturbance, engaging in antisocial activities, blocking national highways, and state highways..." said Mishra. Workers’ protests in Noida enters second day The protests continued on Tuesday in the Hosiery Complex in Phase-2 in Noida to demand an increase in minimum wages. However, despite the state government announcing a wage hike, the stir continues. On Monday, the protests turned violent after an altercation with the police. The protesters pelted stones and torched vehicles and were set on fire after an altercation with police. Meanwhile, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi voiced his support for the protesting workers and described their agitation over minimum wage demands as a reflection of wider economic distress faced by labourers. कल नोएडा की सड़कों पर जो हुआ, वो इस देश के श्रमिकों की आख़िरी चीख़ थी - जिसकी हर आवाज़ को अनसुना किया गया, जो मांगते-मांगते थक गया।नोएडा में काम करने वाले एक मज़दूर की ₹12,000 महीने की तनख्वाह,₹4,000-7,000 किराया। जब तक ₹300 की सालाना बढ़ोतरी मिलती है, मकान मालिक ₹500… — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 14, 2026 In a post on social media platform X, Gandhi wrote, "What happened yesterday on the roads of Noida was the final cry of this country's workers – one whose every voice was ignored, who grew weary from endless pleading. A worker in Noida earns a monthly salary of Rs 12,000; rent costs Rs 4,000-7,000. By the time he gets a Rs 300 annual raise, the landlord hikes the rent by Rs 500 a year." (With inputs from ANI)
14 April,2026 03:49 PM IST | Noida | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tribute to Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary. Modi also hailed the abrogation of Article 370 and the Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand after inaugurating the Delhi-Dehradun corridor. Earlier today, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the six-lane Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor in Dehradun. While addressing the inauguration ceremony, PM Modi also apologised to the gathering for being late to the occasion. The Prime Minister said, 'Today is also the birth anniversary of Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar. I pay my heartfelt tributes to Babasaheb. The policies and decisions taken by our government over the past decade have worked towards restoring the dignity of the Constitution,” as per ANI. “After the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, the Constitution of India is now fully applicable across the entire nation. Even Maoist-affected districts are now working constitutionally. Our Constitution expects us to implement the Uniform Civil Code. Uttarakhand has taken this forward and shown a way to the nation," PM Modi further added. Hailing Babasaheb Ambedkar’s legacy, PM Modi also asserted, "Babasaheb spent his life giving social justice to the deprived and exploited, and our government is also engaged in delivering social justice. That is why Babasaheb strongly advocated for modern infrastructure and industrialisation," as per ANI. Modi hails the abrogation of Article 370 Article 370 was abrogated on August 5, 2019, withdrawing the special status of Jammu and Kashmir with a constitutional amendment. While Uttarakhand became the first state to implement the Uniform Civil Code, fulfilling the BJP's long-standing promise. Acknowledging the delay in the event, Modi said, "I apologise that I was late by more than an hour. I left on time, but the 12-kilometre-long roadshow was so enthusiastic that it was difficult to move the car quickly. The huge crowd in the 12-kilometre-long stretch, even under this heat, shows the love and blessings. I will take a new inspiration from Uttarakhand." Talking about the Delhi-Dehradun highway, the Prime Minister further added that the Economic Corridor will accelerate Uttarakhand's progress while strengthening connectivity. PM Modi extends greetings for Baisakhi Extending greetings for festivities, "The new year has arrived. I extend greetings for Baisakhi, Puthandu and Bohag Bihu. The Badrinath and Kedarnath Yatras will also begin in a few days. I got an opportunity to offer prayers to Maa Daat Kali. Maa Daat Kali's blessings have been instrumental in completing the Delhi-Dehradun Corridor." Modi also added, "After offering prayers at Baba Kedar, I had expressed that the third decade of this century would belong to Uttarakhand. I am very happy that through the double-engine government's policies, the state is moving forward on the path of development and strengthening connectivity. This project will further accelerate Uttarakhand's progress and give new momentum to its development," as per ANI. (With inputs from ANI)
14 April,2026 03:44 PM IST | Dehradun | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the West Bengal assembly elections 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday held a roadshow in Kaliyaganj, North Dinajpur. Earlier on Tuesday, the Union Home Minister also took a swipe at the Trinamool Congress government over infiltration. He further said that the BJP government in West Bengal will hand over the required land to complete fencing with Bangladesh, as per ANI. Amit Shah slams TMC ahead of assembly polls Addressing rallies in the poll-bound state, Shah also warned "goons of TMC not to step out of their homes" during voting. The Union Home Minister said, "I am warning all the goons of TMC not to step out of their homes; otherwise, after 5 May, you're done for," as per ANI. He further accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of trying to intimidate the majority community in the state. He also asked, "I was listening to a speech by Didi (West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee). She was attempting to intimidate the majority community of this region. She claimed that if the TMC ceases to exist, the very existence of the majority community would be at stake. We have been living here for centuries. Who are you to try to intimidate us? Riots broke out in Murshidabad under your rule. Where were you then?" as per ANI. "Attacks were carried out during Ram Navami under your rule. Where were you then? Restrictions were imposed on Saraswati Puja under your rule. Where were you then? There is no need to fear Didi. Under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party will come to power," he further added. Earlier on Monday, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari campaigned in Howrah as part of the party's preparations for the elections. Speaking to the media on Monday, BJP leader Manoj Tiwari also lauded the Election Commission of India and said that it is among the most efficient electoral bodies in the world. "The Election Commission of India is the most well-organised election commission in the world. Despite having a population of 1.4 billion, instances of re-polling are extremely rare. Many countries across the globe are adopting the methods of the Election Commission of India. We must place our trust in the Election Commission. The TMC relies entirely on bogus votes," he added. Polling will be held in West Bengal on April 23 and 29, and the results of the assembly polls will be announced on May 4. (With inputs from ANI)
14 April,2026 03:02 PM IST | North Dinajpur | mid-day online correspondentThe BJP on Tuesday released its manifesto for the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026, promising Rs 2,000 monthly aid and free LPG cylinders apart from other schemes, reported the ANI. The BJP has promised a range of welfare schemes, infrastructure plans and cultural commitments. The party is contesting 27 seats in alliance with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam as part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Cash assistance and free benefits A key promise in the manifesto is financial support for households. The BJP has pledged Rs 2,000 per month for women heads of households and a one-time payment of Rs 10,000 to every household. The party also promised three free LPG cylinders each year, to be distributed during major festivals including Pongal, Tamil Puthandu and Deepavali, according to the ANI. Focus on culture, religious traditions Highlighting its cultural agenda, the BJP said it would declare Thaipoosam as a state festival in honour of Lord Murugan. The party also promised to protect and continue the tradition of lighting the Karthigai Deepam at Thiruparankundram Hill, the news agency reported. This issue became controversial after a court order allowed the ceremonial lamp to be lit at the hilltop, leading to a dispute between the BJP and the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government. Rail and Infrastructure Plans The manifesto includes major transport proposals aimed at improving connectivity across the state. These include- - High-speed rail corridors linking Chennai with Bengaluru and Hyderabad - A regional rapid transit system between Coimbatore, Tiruppur and Salem - Semi-urban rail projects such as Villupuram-Chennai - New sleeper versions of Vande Bharat Express connecting Chennai to Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata Women’s safety and economic support The BJP has outlined several steps to address crimes against women, including faster reporting through zero-FIR systems, special fast-track courts for serious offences, CCTV coverage in buses, schools and universities and better use of the Nirbhaya Fund. According to the ANI, the party also promised economic support for women-led groups, offering interest-free loans of up to Rs 50 lakh and reserving 20% of government procurement for such enterprises. BJP state president Nainar Nagendran criticised the ruling DMK, accusing it of poor governance and failing to deliver on its promises. He expressed confidence that the NDA alliance would form the next government, the news agency reported. Meanwhile, the AIADMK has also announced similar welfare measures, including monthly assistance for women, free LPG cylinders and expanded benefits for ration card holders. (with ANI inputs)
14 April,2026 02:56 PM IST | Chennai | mid-day online correspondentIn a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "India delivers 13 tonnes of BCG vaccines and related dry material to Afghanistan's Ministry of Public Health to augment Afghanistan’s child immunisation programme against tuberculosis." India delivers 13 tons of BCG vaccines and related dry material to @MoPH_afg to augment Afghanistan’s child immunization programme against tuberculosis.@WHO @UNICEF pic.twitter.com/tTh6GVLrqK — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 14, 2026 On April 5, India sent humanitarian assistance and disaster relief material (HADR) to Afghanistan due to the problems faced by people due to recent floods and earthquakes. Jaiswal expressed India's solidarity with the people of Afghanistan and commitment to extending humanitarian assistance during this challenging time. "At this time of hardship being faced by the Afghan people due to recent floods and earthquakes, India delivers HADR materials, including kitchen sets, hygiene kits, plastic sheets, tarpaulins, sleeping bags, and more. India stands in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan and remains committed to extending humanitarian assistance and support during this challenging time," Jaiswal posted on X. Earlier in March, India delivered a 2.5-tonne consignment of emergency medicines, medical disposables, kits and equipment to Afghanistan to support the medical treatment of those injured in Pakistan's recent attack on a hospital in Kabul. "To support the medical treatment and swift recovery of those injured in the heinous attack on 16 March, India delivers a 2.5-tonne consignment of emergency medicines, medical disposables, kits and equipment to Kabul. India stands in solidarity with the Afghan people and will continue to extend all possible humanitarian support in this difficult hour," Jaiswal posted on X. India provided assistance to Afghanistan after a Pakistani strike targeted the 2,000-bed Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul’s Pul-e-Charkhi area, killing over 400 people and injuring more than 250 others. India also condemned the Pakistani airstrikes on a hospital and rehab centre in Kabul and said that Islamabad is "now trying to dress up a massacre as a military operation". Unequivocally condemning the attack, MEA said, "This is a cowardly and unconscionable act of violence that has claimed the lives of a large number of civilians in a facility which can by no means be justified as a military target. Pakistan is now trying to dress up a massacre as a military operation." India said that the "heinous act of aggression" by Pakistan is also a "blatant assault" on Afghanistan's sovereignty and poses as a direct threat to regional peace and stability. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
14 April,2026 02:55 PM IST | Kabul | IANSThe Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced that a total of 2,926 candidates will contest the upcoming West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026. Voting will take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with results scheduled to be declared on May 4. According to the official statement, the ECI said that in the Phase 1, 1,478 candidates across 152 constituencies are in fray whereas in Phase 2, 1,448 candidates across 142 constituencies were contesting, the news agency reported. The deadline for filing nominations for Phase 2 was April 9 and the scrutiny was completed on April 10. The candidates were allowed to withdraw until April 13, officials said. Election preparations and guidelines According to the ANI, the ECI has instructed Returning Officers to publish the final list of candidates in the official gazette and securely store all election-related documents. To assist voters, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will display coloured photographs of candidates along with their names, serial numbers and party symbols, making identification easier at polling stations. Additionally, ballot papers for EVMs will include coloured photographs of candidates along with key details like serial number and symbol to make it easier for voters to identify them, reported the ANI. High-stakes political contest The elections are expected to see an intense contest between the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The TMC, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is seeking a fourth consecutive term. Meanwhile, the BJP is aiming to form the government after improving its performance in the previous election. War of Words Intensifies Ahead of the polls, political rhetoric has sharpened. Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised the TMC government over issues such as infiltration and law and order, as per the ANI. He also warned alleged TMC supporters against engaging in violence during voting and said that a BJP government would take steps to complete border fencing with Bangladesh. Shah further accused the state leadership of attempting to create fear among communities, while raising concerns over past incidents of unrest in districts such as Murshidabad. (with ANI inputs)
14 April,2026 02:53 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentAam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to visit Tamil Nadu on April 20. He will address election rallies in support of DMK and CM MK Stalin on April 20 and 21, the Aam Aadmi Party said on Tuesday. AAP has not put up any candidate for the Assembly poll race, choosing to support the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) instead. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Congress In-Charge Girish Chodankar said that Rahul Gandhi, along with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, is expected to take part in the election campaign in Tamil Nadu. Congress is in alliance with the DMK, which leads the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA). He said that added that an official announcement regarding Rahul Gandhi's visit to Tamil Nadu will be made soon, and that Priyanka Gandhi will also participate in the campaign. He further said that Rahul Gandhi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin are expected to campaign together. "Rahul Gandhi will come and campaign for Tamil Nadu elections, all our leaders will come... All our leaders will start campaigning when the campaigning becomes very aggressive. We have already appointed party cadres and formed special committees in all 234 Assembly constituencies so that we can help all the allied parties' candidates with whatever forces we have in each Assembly constituency, " he added. He reiterated that the announcement regarding Rahul Gandhi's visit will be made within the next two to three days. Meanwhile, Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) candidate from Kolathur, MK Stalin, conducted a door-to-door campaign in Vellore. Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4. The main contest is expected between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, which includes the Indian National Congress, DMDK and VCK, and the National Democratic Alliance led by AIADMK with BJP and PMK as allies. Actor-turned-politician Vijay is also set to make his electoral debut with his party TVK, which could turn the contest into a three-way fight. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
14 April,2026 02:03 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIProtests by industrial workers carried on into Tuesday at the Hosiery Complex in Phase 2 of Noida, despite the state government announcing a significant interim wage increase. A heavy police presence remained in place to prevent further escalation following violence a day earlier, reported the ANI. Tensions flared on Monday when demonstrations turned violent after clashes between workers and police. Protesters reportedly hurled stones and set vehicles ablaze. According to Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh, more than 300 individuals have been arrested in connection with the unrest. The police have registered multiple FIRs and are continuing efforts to identify those allegedly responsible for inciting violence, the news agency reported. Police conducted route marches from early morning, dispersing gatherings at several locations after brief negotiations with workers. Allegations of organised instigation Officials have suggested the involvement of organised groups behind the protests. The police claim that workers were mobilised through WhatsApp groups using QR codes, indicating a coordinated effort. Investigations are underway to determine whether external funding—possibly from outside the state or country—played a role in fuelling the agitation. Wage increase The Uttar Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, formed a high-powered committee to address workers’ grievances. Following discussions, interim minimum wages were increased by approximately 21 per cent, effective from April 1. Revised Monthly Wages (Gautam Buddha Nagar & Ghaziabad) - - Unskilled workers: Rs 11,313 - Rs 13,690 - Semi-skilled workers: Rs 12,445 - Rs 15,059 - Skilled workers: Rs 13,940 - Rs 16,868 Revised wage structures were also announced for other districts, varying by urban and rural classifications. Political row The unrest has triggered a political row. State Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta accused opposition parties of attempting to destabilise law and order by inciting workers. Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav criticised the government, arguing that the protests stem from genuine economic distress caused by rising inflation. He dismissed claims of conspiracy and suggested that earlier dialogue could have prevented the escalation. The government-appointed committee continues discussions with labour unions, industry representatives, and other stakeholders. Authorities have urged workers to return to their jobs and maintain peace while negotiations proceed. (with ANI inputs)
14 April,2026 02:01 PM IST | Noida | mid-day online correspondentCongress MP Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said he stands with the protesting workers in Noida, describing their agitation over minimum wage demands as a reflection of wider economic distress faced by labourers. His remarks come amid ongoing workers' protests over minimum wage demands, which turned violent on Monday with stone-pelting and vehicles being set on fire after an altercation with police. In a post on X, Congress MP wrote, "What happened yesterday on the roads of Noida was the final cry of this country's workers--one whose every voice was ignored, who grew weary from endless pleading. A worker in Noida earns a monthly salary of Rs12,000; rent costs Rs4,000-7,000. By the time he gets a Rs300 annual raise, the landlord hikes the rent by Rs 500 a year." कल नोएडा की सड़कों पर जो हुआ, वो इस देश के श्रमिकों की आख़िरी चीख़ थी - जिसकी हर आवाज़ को अनसुना किया गया, जो मांगते-मांगते थक गया।नोएडा में काम करने वाले एक मज़दूर की ₹12,000 महीने की तनख्वाह,₹4,000-7,000 किराया। जब तक ₹300 की सालाना बढ़ोतरी मिलती है, मकान मालिक ₹500… — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 14, 2026 Gandhi said rising inflation and stagnant wages are choking workers and deepening debt, calling it the "truth of developed India," as he voiced support for protesting labourers. He also criticised the impact of global economic pressures and government labour reforms, claiming workers are being forced into long working hours and financial distress while industrialists remain unaffected. "Until the salary catches up, this runaway inflation chokes life out of him, drowns him in the depths of debt that's the truth of "Developed India." A female worker said, "Gas prices keep rising, but our salaries don't." These people probably shelled out Rs 5,000 for a cylinder just to light the stove at home during this gas crisis. This isn't just about Noida. And it's not just about India either. Fuel prices are skyrocketing worldwide the supply chain has snapped due to war in West Asia. But America's tariff wars, global inflation, the breaking supply chains--the burden hasn't fallen on Modi ji's "friendly" industrialists," the post read. "One more crucial issue the Modi government, in a hasty move without consultation, implemented 4 Labour Codes starting November 2025, extending work hours to 12 hours a day. The worker who stands for 12-12 hours every day, yet still takes loans to pay his kids' school fees is his demand unreasonable? And the one crushing his rights every day is that "development"? Noida's worker is demanding Rs 20,000. This isn't greed it's his right, the sole foundation of his life. I stand with every such worker who is the backbone of this country, yet has been reduced to a burden by this government," the post further read This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
14 April,2026 01:55 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIPrime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the much awaited Delhi–Dehradun Expressway today, a major project expected to transform travel between Delhi and Dehradun. The new corridor aims to improve connectivity, reduce travel time and boost economic activity in the region. PM reviews Asia’s longest wildlife corridor, joins children in aarti at Dat Kali Temple Prime Minister on Tuesday reviewed the 12-km-long wildlife corridor in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, built along the elevated stretch of the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway. The corridor is considered one of the longest of its kind in Asia and has been developed by Uttarakhand. Later, he visited the Dat Kali Temple near Dehradun, where he offered darshan and performed pooja. During the visit, children sang an aarti and the Prime Minister was seen clapping and joining them, reported ANI. What makes this highway so important? The expressway has been built at an estimated cost of Rs 12,000 crore and stretches over 210 kilometres. It begins near Akshardham Temple and runs up to Dehradun. 1. Connects key regions: On its way, it passes through important towns in Uttar Pradesh, including Baghpat, Baraut, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, and Saharanpur. It also connects to Haridwar through a dedicated link road and becomes part of the larger Char Dham highway network. 2. Travel time cut to nearly half: One of the biggest advantages of the expressway is the reduction in travel time. Currently, it takes about six hours to travel between Delhi and Dehradun by road. With the new expressway, this will come down to around 2.5 hours. This improvement makes it competitive with other travel options. Trains like the Vande Bharat Express take about five hours, while the Shatabdi Express takes over six hours. Even air travel, though shorter in flight duration, often takes around five hours in total due to airport procedures. The expressway is expected to become the fastest and most convenient option for commuters. 3. Built for speed and comfort: The corridor is designed for smooth and high-speed travel. It includes multiple interchanges, railway overbridges, and major bridges to ensure uninterrupted movement. For travellers, several wayside amenities are being developed along the route. These will include rest areas, food courts, fuel stations, and washrooms. 4. Advanced technology: The project is also equipped with an Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS), which will help improve safety and manage traffic efficiently. 5. Boost for travel, tourism and economy: Once fully operational, the expressway is expected to ease congestion on existing roads and improve regional connectivity. It will also support tourism and business activity between Delhi and Uttarakhand. Strong focus on wildlife protection Special attention has been given to environmental protection, especially in areas near Rajaji National Park. A 12-kilometre elevated corridor has been built to reduce disturbance to wildlife. The project includes several features to prevent human-animal conflict and allow safe animal movement. These include elephant underpasses, animal crossings and dedicated wildlife passes. There is also a 370-metre-long tunnel near the Dat Kali Temple. Officials said the corridor has been designed “keeping in view the ecological sensitivity, rich biodiversity and wildlife in the region,” with features that ensure “free movement of wild animals,” reported IANS. The project reflects a broader vision of developing modern infrastructure that combines speed, safety and environmental responsibility while improving the overall travel experience for people. (With IANS and ANI Inputs)
14 April,2026 01:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1776158511000_d.png "India ramps up humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. PIC/X@MEAIndia")
-1776154808719_d.png "Rahul Gandhi. File Pic")
-1776152804884_d.png "Newly constructed Delhi-Saharanpur-Dehradun Expressway ahead of its inauguration. PIC/PTI")