Road to Completion
The Delhi–Dehradun Expressway, a project costing approximately Rs 11,970 crore and developed by NHAI, is close to being finished. Trial runs across multiple
stretches have already been successfully conducted. The main goal is to improve the connection between Delhi, western Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Once open to the public, this 210-kilometre-long corridor will reduce the travel time between Delhi and Dehradun to about 2.5 hours, a major improvement compared to the current 6–7 hours. Officials are making efforts to finalize the remaining work at the earliest to facilitate quick and easy access for people.
Route and Design
The expressway starts near Akshardham in Delhi, with a significant part built as an elevated corridor near Geeta Colony. The route is split into different construction packages. Key junctions include Loni, around 17 km from Delhi, where essential services like ambulance services and highway patrol units will be stationed. At Baghpat, approximately 31 km from Delhi, there is a dedicated link that connects the expressway to the Eastern Peripheral Expressway. Beyond Baghpat, the highway shifts into a greenfield corridor. The route passes through Delhi, Baghpat, Shamli, Muzaffarnagar, and Saharanpur before entering Uttarakhand. The expressway will also include a nearly 300-meter-long tunnel, designed with artwork reflecting Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage.
Safety First
The expressway is equipped with various safety features to ensure smooth and secure travel. NHAI engineers have incorporated advanced systems to tackle accidents and fog-related challenges. Facilities such as electric vehicle charging stations, food outlets, and rest areas will be available every 30 km, providing convenience for travelers. To minimize environmental impact and improve road safety, Miyawaki plantation techniques have been employed along exit loops. In the eco-sensitive Shivalik and Rajaji National Park regions, the road takes an elevated path, giving commuters picturesque views of the Shivalik ranges and the surrounding forested areas. Furthermore, dedicated animal corridors, elevated road sections, and sound barriers have been constructed to safeguard wildlife.
Wildlife Protection
To ensure wildlife safety, dedicated animal corridors and elevated road sections have been constructed. Sound barriers and plastic noise shields have been put in place to reduce noise pollution. Furthermore, the Wildlife Institute of India has aided in the installation of special lighting to minimize disturbance to animals at night. Special elevated passages have also been created to allow elephants to move freely. These measures showcase a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, ensuring the coexistence of infrastructure and the natural world, therefore promoting ecological balance.
Final Touches
After exiting the tunnel, commuters will arrive in Dehradun after a journey of just over 2.5 hours. Minor finishing works are being completed to prepare for public use. The expressway will provide a boost to connectivity, trade, and tourism. The development shows the efforts to upgrade the infrastructure with the goal of improving the journey between Delhi and Dehradun. The project is designed not only to facilitate smoother travel but also to have a positive impact on regional economics and the environment by providing a sustainable and eco-friendly transportation system.
