Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Nears Completion: Minister

Union Minister of State for Road and Highways and Corporate Affairs, Shri Harsh Malhotra, today conducted an extensive inspection of the entire 210-km Delhi-Saharanpur-Dehradun Expressway, accompanied by senior officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The review marks a crucial step in ensuring the timely completion of one of India’s most ambitious and strategically significant highway infrastructure projects.

Major Leap in Road Connectivity

The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, currently in the final phase of construction, aims to significantly decongest Delhi NCR’s road network, especially easing traffic on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway and other feeder highways. Shri Malhotra expressed satisfaction with the project’s pace and lauded the efforts of NHAI and project contractors for their dedication.

“The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway will be a game changer not just for Delhi and Uttarakhand, but for the entire northern region. It will reduce travel time dramatically and boost trade, tourism, and connectivity,” said Shri Malhotra.

The expressway, which starts from Akshardham Temple in Delhi, will pass through key towns of Baghpat, Baraut, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, and Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh before reaching Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand. The project is being developed at an estimated cost of ₹12,000 crore.

Timely Completion Stressed

During the review, NHAI officials informed the Minister that the remaining sections of the expressway are expected to be completed within 2 to 3 months. Shri Malhotra instructed officials to address any pending bottlenecks and ensure completion as per the scheduled timeline so that the expressway can be opened to the public without delays.

The expressway is designed for high-speed travel with a designated speed limit of 100 km/h, and once fully operational, it will cut the travel time from Delhi to Dehradun from 6.5 hours to just 2.5 hours, significantly enhancing convenience for commuters and tourists alike.

Haridwar Spur and Religious Connectivity

In addition to the main stretch, the project will also include a spur road leading to Haridwar, a major spiritual hub, and further connect with the Char Dham Highway, improving access to India’s revered pilgrimage destinations including Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. This enhancement is expected to benefit millions of pilgrims each year and significantly boost regional tourism.

Asia’s Longest Elevated Wildlife Corridor: A Green Milestone

Reinforcing its commitment to eco-sensitive development, the has integrated environmental sustainability into the project. A key highlight is the construction of Asia’s longest elevated wildlife corridor, a 12-km stretch through Rajaji National Park, designed to protect wildlife migration routes and ensure minimal disturbance to the local ecosystem.

This corridor is a pioneering example of balancing infrastructure development with environmental preservation and has earned international praise for its approach to sustainable engineering.

“This expressway reflects India’s resolve to lead with development while honoring our responsibility to nature. The elevated corridor through Rajaji National Park is not just a road, it is a symbol of our balanced growth,” said Shri Malhotra.

Boost to Economy and Tourism

The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway is more than just a transportation project—it is expected to be a major driver of economic activity across the region. It will enhance logistics efficiency, attract investment, and create job opportunities, especially in the tourism, hospitality, and agricultural sectors.

Once operational, the expressway is likely to become a key economic artery, connecting the national capital with the Himalayan foothills and unlocking new development corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Conclusion

With the final stretch nearing completion, the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to building world-class infrastructure, improving regional connectivity, and ensuring sustainable growth. Shri Harsh Malhotra’s inspection visit underscores the urgency and significance of delivering this critical project on time.

As India continues its journey toward becoming a global infrastructure leader, projects like this reaffirm the nation’s vision for speed, scale, and sustainability.