The much-anticipated Delhi-Dehradun Expressway has reached a significant milestone with the opening of a crucial 3.5 km stretch. This marks a step forward in improving connectivity between the two cities. The expressway, spanning 212 km, is designed to cut travel time from 6.5 to 2.5 hours.
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the six-lane Delhi-Dehradun Greenfield Access Controlled Expressway has been built at a cost of INR 12,000 crore. The route begins at the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway near Akshardham in Delhi and passes through Shastri Park, Khajuri Khas, and Mandola in Baghpat before reaching Dehradun via Shamli and Saharanpur.
A key highlight of the expressway is its toll-free access for the first 18 km from Akshardham Temple to Loni, ensuring a seamless experience for commuters. Additionally, the newly opened 3.5 km stretch from Daat Kali to Asharodi is fully operational, offering smoother and more efficient travel. Previously, only three lanes were accessible, but congestion is expected to ease significantly with all six lanes now open.
The expressway has been designed with modern infrastructure to enhance road safety and traffic management. It features seven underpasses, two Railway Over Bridges (ROBs), and 54 junctions, including 17 major and 37 minor ones. Foot-over bridges will also be installed at key locations to provide safe pedestrian crossings, particularly benefiting students. Furthermore, two elevated sections of 200 meters each will improve connectivity and reduce travel disruptions.