News Brief
Delhi-Dehradun Expressway: First Phase Of Rs 13,000 Crore Mega Project Completed, Inauguration Expected Soon
Delhi-Dehradun expressway's elevated corridor (Pic Via RSLive/Youtube)
In a significant milestone, the first phase of the Delhi-Dehradun expressway has been completed, NewsX reported citing sources from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).
While the official date for its inauguration has not been announced, reports suggest that the stretch could be opened for traffic within this month.
Once operational, the expressway will cut down travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from five to six hours to just a little over 2 hours.
The phase-1 32-km section from Akshardham to Baghpat, which currently takes over an hour to traverse, will now be covered in just 25 to 30 minutes.
This will bring major relief to commuters, especially those traveling between Delhi and Baghpat, as well as residents of nearby areas like Karawal Nagar and Mustafabad, by easing congestion and improving connectivity.
The Delhi–Dehradun Expressway is a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity between Delhi and Uttarakhand's capital Dehradun.
Spanning approximately 210 kilometers, this six-lane access-controlled expressway is designed to reduce travel time from the current 6.5 hours to around 2.5 hours.
It will pass through the states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and will pass through the cities of Baghpat, Baraut, Shamli and Saharanpur.
The project is divided into four phases, with an estimated cost of around Rs 13,000 crore. It also includes a 12 km long elevated wildlife corridor, the longest in India, to ensure safe passage for animals near Rajaji National Park.
This infrastructure project aims to transform connectivity while prioritising safety and environmental conservation.
Additional provisions include a 340-meter-long, three-lane tunnel at Datkali in Dehradun, constructed at a cost of Rs 1,995 crore.
Key infrastructure along the expressway includes:
16 entry and exit points
113 underpasses for vehicular and light traffic
76 km of service roads
29 km of elevated roads
62 bus shelters
The 212-km six-lane Greenfield Access-Controlled Expressway starts at the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway near Akshardham and passes through Shastri Park, Khajuri Khas, Mandola EPE Interchange, Baghpat, Shamli, and Saharanpur, before reaching Dehradun.
Its strategic route is expected to benefit commuters, tourists, and freight operators alike.
