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DelhiDehradun travel time to drop to 2.5 hours as trial run begins on new expressway

DEHRADUN: Commuters are set to witness a dramatic reduction in travel time between the National Capital Region and Uttarakhands capital, as the trial run for the ambitious DelhiSaharanpurDehradun Expressway commenced late Sunday night. The 210-kilometre project, whose foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 4, 2021, is now operational on a trial basis following the removal of barricades near Geeta Colony, signalling the imminent opening of this high-speed corridor. The new expressway promises to cut the six-hour drive to just two and a half hours. The Rs 11,800-crore project begins near the Akshardham Temple Metro Station in Delhi, connects to the DelhiMeerut Expressway, and passes through Baghpat, Baraut, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli and Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh before culminating in Dehradun. This corridor starts as an elevated structure from Geeta Colony itself, which will significantly ease congestion for Delhi-bound traffic, an official associated with the project said. The expressway incorporates multiple environmental and safety features, including Asias longest 12-km elevated wildlife corridor through Rajaji National Park, allowing wildlife to move freely underneath the roadway and reducing the risks associated with high-speed traffic. Further enhancing animal safety, special monkey ladders have been installed to connect trees and allow primates to cross without descending onto the road, helping prevent accidents. The main route is secured with protective fencing to minimise humanwildlife conflict. We have also employed non-intrusive yellow lighting to avoid attracting insects, and sound barriers line the edges of the expressway to curb noise pollution, an NHAI source said. While the main section from Ganeshpur to Asharodi in Uttarakhand is complete, officials noted ongoing work to address geological vulnerabilities. Following monsoon surveys that identified potential landslide risks near two hillsides, the NHAI undertook jacketing work to reinforce 24 pillars affected by river erosion. To enhance accessibility for pilgrims, a dedicated viaduct is being constructed near the Daat Kali Devi Temple at Mohand, ensuring smooth access for high-speed traffic from Delhi without dangerous U-turns. NHAI Chief Engineer Mukesh Parmar said the elevated road is designed for speeds up to 100 km/h for light motor vehicles, with a 60 km/h speed limit for two-wheelers and clear signage installed. Work on the elevated road and associated safety features is nearing completion, Parmar added. We are optimistic that the expressway will be fully open to the public before the New Year.