Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Nearing Completion: Remaining Stretches Of Rs 12,000 Crore Project Likely To Be Completed Within 2–3 Months

The work on the remaining portions of the Delhi-Dehradun expressway is likely to be completed within the next two-three months.

Spanning approximately 210 kilometers, this six-lane access-controlled expressway is designed to reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from the current 6.5 hours to around 2.5 hours.

The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, starting from Akshardham Temple, Delhi would pass through Baghpat, Baraut, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli and Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh) and culminate at Dehradun.

On Saturday (17 May), Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Harsh Malhotra inspected the entire 210-km stretch of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway along with officials of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Expressing satisfaction with the progress of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, Malhotra stated that the expressway would be instrumental in decongesting NCT of Delhi and also reduce the load on Delhi-Meerut Expressway and other connecting highways.

Taking cognisance of the various bottlenecks, Malhotra directed the NHAI officials to expedite and complete the project in stipulated timeframe so that it would be opened for the general public as per the schedule, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said in a statement.

"The minister was informed by NHAI officials that the remaining portions of the project would be completed within 2-3 months," the ministry said.

The expressway is being developed at an approximate cost of Rs12000 crore, with a designated speed of 100 km per hour.

It also includes a 12 km long elevated wildlife corridor, the longest in India, to ensure safe passage for animals near Rajaji National Park.

The expressway, would have a spur towards Haridwar and would also connect to Char Dhaam Highway, thus enhancing the connectivity to the hill stations and pilgrimage sites of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.

This infrastructure project aims to transform connectivity while prioritising safety and environmental conservation.

The expressway incorporates cutting-edge design features, including a 12-km elevated wildlife corridor, six animal underpasses, and two elephant underpasses, ensuring safe passage for animals along the route from Ganeshpur to Dehradun.

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

Its strategic route is expected to benefit commuters, tourists, and freight operators alike.

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