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Those planning a trip from Delhi to Haridwar can soon significantly simplify their journey. The route, which currently takes three to four hours, will soon take only an hour and a half. Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced the reduction in travel time between Delhi and Haridwar.

He stated that the new expressway connecting Delhi and Haridwar will be ready within the next two months, which will substantially decrease the arrival time from Delhi to Haridwar.

Previously, after the opening of the Delhi-Dehradun expressway, the travel time between these cities was reduced. If the trip from Delhi to Dehradun used to take about five to six hours, it now takes approximately two hours. This has created expectations among Delhi residents traveling to Haridwar regarding improved transport accessibility on this route, which is now confirmed by Nitin Gadkari's statements.

The reduction in travel time to an hour and a half will bring significant benefits to tourists, pilgrims, and those planning weekend trips. Residents of Delhi-NCR will be able to leave for Haridwar early in the morning to take a ritual dip in the Ganges and easily plan the return trip on the same day. This, in turn, may lead to an increase in visitors to Haridwar and neighboring tourist spots.

Addressing the National CII conference on 'The Future of India,' Union Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasized the critical importance of strong infrastructure for the economic development of any country. He noted that improving road conditions and building expressways promotes agriculture, industry, trade, and business. This facilitates the transportation of goods and reduces delivery times.

The minister also stated that the new expressway linking Delhi and Haridwar within two months will reduce the travel time to an hour and a half. He mentioned that logistics costs in India have decreased from the previous 16% to below 9%. According to Gadkari, developing basic infrastructure is the key and most important factor for the country's future development, as it allows for the development of agriculture, productivity, industry, trade, and business.

Gadkari compared the situation with logistics costs: about two years ago, the issue of logistics was discussed. In China, logistics costs were around 8% of GDP, whereas in India they reached 16%, creating serious obstacles for the Indian economy in international trade. However, he expressed happiness by reporting that India's logistics costs have dropped from 16% to a single-digit figure of 9%, which is lower than the figures for China (8%) and the USA (12%).

Examples of improved transport accessibility include reducing the travel time from Delhi to Meerut from three and a half hours to 45-50 minutes, and from Delhi to Jaipur from five hours to two hours. Furthermore, it is expected that the road journey between Bangalore and Chennai, which previously took four to five hours, will now take about two hours. This leads to a reduction in logistics costs and stimulates tourism and development.

In conclusion, Nitin Gadkari announced plans to develop 36 green expressways, which will bring radical changes to the landscape of development and the country's transport system. Work is underway for road infrastructure projects in Delhi worth about 1,60,000 crore rupees. He also noted that 49% of capital expenditure in tourism will contribute to job creation. An example of such a project is the Char Dham initiative, which costs approximately 12,000 crore rupees, and 85% of the work on it is complete. Thanks to this, the number of tourists traveling from Delhi to Badrinath and Kedarnath has tripled compared to previous years.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Delhi and go on a weekend trip, you don't necessarily need to take a long vacation or travel far. There are many beautiful places near Delhi where you can enjoy greenery, mountains, lakes, and ancient forts. These five scenic destinations can be included in your travel list if you are planning a short trip with family, friends, or a partner.

Nimrana (Rajasthan)

The distance from Delhi to Nimrana is approximately 120–130 kilometers, and it can be reached by road in 2–3 hours. Nimrana is known for its historical forts and magnificent heritage-style hotels. It is an excellent place to visit if you want to have an unusual experience over the weekend, as well as for walks around the fort.

Alwar (Rajasthan)

Alwar, located about 3–4 hours' drive from Delhi, is a wonderful choice for a weekend trip. Here you can see old forts, beautiful lakes, and lush green landscapes. Tourists can visit the Citadel, Bala Qila, and Lake Siliserh. Alwar is suitable for those who want to spend time in peace, away from the city rush.

Rishikesh (Uttarakhand)

For lovers of mountains and tranquility, Rishikesh offers beautiful views along the river. The journey from Delhi takes about 5–6 hours, and depending on traffic, it might take longer. Here you can walk along the Ganges River, spend time at the ghats, and go rafting. Additionally, you can enjoy the atmosphere around Lakshman Jhula and have lunch at a cafe.

Agra (Uttar Pradesh)

If you are attracted to historical monuments, you should visit Agra. The drive from Delhi to Agra takes approximately 3–4 hours. In Agra, you can admire the beauty of the Taj Mahal, as well as Agra Fort and Mehtab Bagh. This is a good place for a short weekend trip that can be organized with family or friends.

Nahan (Himachal Pradesh)

For those seeking solitude amidst cold mountain winds and greenery, Nahan is suitable. The drive from Delhi to Nahan will take about 4–5 hours, and more depending on traffic. The calm atmosphere and picturesque mountain views in Nahan will bring joy. Lake Renuka is also located near Nahan. It is an ideal place to relax from daily routine and spend time in nature.

Important points before traveling

Please note that the travel time to these places depends on your starting point, road conditions, and route. For Rishikesh and Nahan, the trip may take more than five hours, so be sure to check the route before leaving.

Mathura and Aligarh are two significant cities in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Mathura is known for its religious tourism appeal, while Aligarh is renowned for education, business, and industrial activity. The distance between these cities is about 60 kilometers, but the lack of a direct railway connection creates inconvenience for passengers.

Although the main railway line passes through Mathura, direct rail access to Aligarh is still missing, which poses a problem for travelers. Even 79 years after gaining independence, the shortage of railway infrastructure remains the primary reason for this distance. In response to this issue, the railway has taken steps to address it.

Work has commenced on the Final Location Survey (FLS) for the proposed new railway line between Mathura and Aligarh. Additionally, the possibility of extending the Vande Bharat Agra-Varanasi express to Mathura is being considered. If both proposals receive approval, residents of Mathura and its surroundings may gain new options for rail travel.

Despite the main railway line passing through Mathura, the absence of a direct rail link to Aligarh has long been a serious concern for passengers. The goal of the proposed new railway line is to bridge this gap, providing convenience for people traveling between the two cities. The railway has begun conducting the FLS for the prospective rail link. This is an important step in advancing the plan to build a new railway line.

During the survey, the proposed trajectory and associated technical aspects will be evaluated. According to the plan, this railway line will connect Mathura with Aligarh via Medu station on the Mathura-Kasanj East-North Railway section. However, the start of the survey does not mean the project has received final construction approval; further decisions await project sanctioning, commencement of construction, and service start dates.

Mathura MLA Hema Malini had previously raised the issue of the need for a direct railway connection between the two cities. On September 14, she sent a letter to the General Manager of Central Railway Uttar Madhya, urging attention to this proposal. Following this, discussions took place between railway officials and MPs representing the Agra constituency regarding railway services and connectivity. Hema Malini emphasized that even 79 years after independence, there is no direct rail link between the two neighboring cities, causing daily difficulties for thousands of passengers. She stated that building a new line would simplify journeys and reduce travel time.

Alongside the proposal for a new railway line, another request for Mathura passengers is under discussion: considering the possibility of extending the Vande Bharat Agra-Varanasi express to Mathura. This would allow Mathura residents to utilize semi-high-speed train services. However, railway officials noted that sufficient servicing facilities must be developed at Mathura station for this extension. According to railway representatives, the proposal can only be considered further after these facilities are ensured. Currently, there is no set date for the approval or launch of the train extension.