In a major boost for connectivity in North India, the decks have been cleared for the launch of the ambitious Rs 12,000 crore Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, with work expected to commence shortly. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, made an official announcement in Parliament on Wednesday, setting the stage for this transformative infrastructure project.
Project Timeline and Key Announcements
According to officials who spoke to TOI, final touches are being given to the project following Gadkari's announcement. The minister informed the House that the work on the expressway is expected to begin within the next 10 to 15 days. A formal inauguration is anticipated, with sources indicating that time is being sought from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the ceremony.
The 212-km expressway promises to dramatically reduce the travel time between the national capital and the Uttarakhand capital from the current six hours to approximately 2.5 hours. This project is strategically designed to eventually link with the massive Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, creating a seamless high-speed corridor.
Route Alignment and Project Sections
The expressway will originate from Akshardham in Delhi and traverse through key locations including Mandola, Baghpat, Shamli, and Saharanpur before entering Dehradun. The final approach into Dehradun will be via Biharigarh, Ganeshpur, and the Asharodi route.
For efficient execution, the entire project has been divided into four major sections: Ghaziabad, Baghpat, Roorkee, and Meerut. In a significant addition, a dedicated 51-km greenfield road worth Rs 2,095 crore will be constructed to connect the main expressway with the holy city of Haridwar, boosting pilgrimage and tourist traffic.
Major Infrastructure and Eco-Friendly Features
The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway will be a marvel of modern engineering, packed with numerous amenities and thoughtful features. The complete 212-km stretch will include:
- 113 vehicular underpasses for smooth traffic flow.
- 62 bus shelters for public transport users.
- A 76-km long service road.
- 16 entry points and 12 wayside amenities for traveler comfort.
A standout feature is the 340-meter tunnel near the Dat Kali temple, constructed at a cost of Rs 1,995 crore. In line with environmental consciousness, the project incorporates specific animal welfare measures. The elevated road from Asharodi to Ganeshpur, which is already complete and awaiting inauguration, includes six animal underpasses and two dedicated elephant underpasses, along with two major and 13 minor bridges.
Overcoming Delays and Future Impact
Officials acknowledged that there were previous attempts to start the route, but the project faced delays due to logistical issues. Those hurdles now appear to be resolved. The trial runs on both the new expressway sections and the elevated road have been successfully completed, paving the way for final commissioning.
The expressway is more than just a road; it is a catalyst for economic growth, tourism, and regional development. By drastically cutting travel time, it will facilitate faster movement of goods and people, bring Uttarakhand closer to Delhi, and integrate it deeper into the national highway network via its future connection to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. This project marks a significant leap forward in the infrastructure landscape of Northern India.
