A major development in India’s road infrastructure, the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway has seen the opening of a 3.5-km segment between Daat Kali and Asharodi, marking significant progress in the project. This expressway is expected to reduce travel time and enhance connectivity between Delhi and Dehradun.
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the expressway has been developed at a cost of ₹12,000 crore, spanning 212 km with six lanes and access-controlled features.
Project Overview and Toll-Free Stretch
The expressway is being constructed in four sections, beginning from the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway near Akshardham and passing through Shastri Park, Khajuri Khas, the EPE interchange at Khekra in Mandola, before extending to Baghpat, Shamli, Saharanpur, and Dehradun.
- Key Highlight: The first 18 km, from Akshardham Temple to Loni, will remain toll-free, providing a cost-free option for commuters in the region.
Four-Phased Construction Plan
The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway is being constructed in four phases, covering key locations across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand:
- Phase 1: Akshardham Temple to Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE) (32 km, 12 lanes).
- Phase 2: EPE to Saharanpur Bypass (118 km, six lanes, multiple interchanges).
- Phase 3: Saharanpur Bypass to Ganeshpur (40 km).
- Phase 4: Ganeshpur to Dehradun (20 km, wildlife protection structures included).
The recently opened 3.5-km segment between Daat Kali and Asharodi now allows full utilization of all six lanes, further reducing travel time.
Infrastructure and Safety Features
The expressway incorporates modern safety measures and advanced infrastructure to ease congestion:
- Six lanes for high-speed traffic.
- Seven underpasses and two Railway Over Bridges (ROBs) to enhance connectivity.
- 54 junctions (17 major, 37 minor) to streamline vehicle movement.
- Pedestrian-friendly foot-over bridges, ensuring safe crossings for students and residents.
- Two elevated sections, each 200 metres long, to improve traffic flow and prevent bottlenecks.
Conclusion
With its toll-free stretch, high-speed lanes, and improved infrastructure, the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway is set to transform travel between the two cities. As the project nears completion, commuters can expect safer, faster, and more efficient road connectivity between Delhi and Uttarakhand.
