Delhi-Dehradun Expressway opens for trial run, will halve travel time
What's the story
The Delhi-Saharanpur-Dehradun Expressway has started its trial run, promising to revolutionize travel between Delhi and Uttarakhand. The 210-kilometer high-speed corridor is expected to reduce the usual 6-hour journey to just 2-2.5 hours. The expressway runs through three states, namely, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, and is divided into four sections. It starts from Akshardham in Delhi and connects with the Eastern Peripheral Expressway before passing through key districts of western Uttar Pradesh, such as Baghpat, Shamli, and Saharanpur.
Unique design
Expressway features elevated corridor, wildlife protection measures
The expressway's last stretch includes a 12-kilometer elevated corridor over Rajaji National Park to protect wildlife. This makes it only the second highway in India to have such a dedicated protection corridor. The section ends with a two-kilometer tunnel leading into Dehradun. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone for this project in December 2021.
Construction progress
Expressway construction faced challenges, now nearly complete
The construction of the expressway faced several challenges, including technical issues, weather delays, and complex land acquisition. However, officials say these hurdles have been cleared, and work is almost complete. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) expects 20,000 to 30,000 vehicles to use the expressway daily once it is fully operational. This will ease congestion on existing routes like NH-58 and improve logistics efficiency while boosting tourism in Uttarakhand.
Economic impact
Expressway to boost economic development in Uttar Pradesh
The expressway is also expected to spur economic and real estate development in the villages it passes through in Uttar Pradesh. Initial feedback from users during the trial run has been positive, with one motorcyclist saying, "This expressway will help us because it will save us from traffic jams." The infrastructure includes modern safety features such as accident barriers, speed cameras, and emergency call boxes.
Project milestone
Expressway's trial run marks milestone for North India
The expressway's trial run is a major milestone for one of North India's most-awaited highway projects. Barricades have been removed near Geeta Colony to allow movement, with visuals of vehicles entering the corridor already emerging. Built at an estimated cost of ₹11,868.6 crore, this expressway promises a smoother and more scenic highway experience for commuters.