Are you someone who frequently travels between Delhi and Dehradun? If yes, then your commute is all set to get easier and shorter. A part of the much-awaited Delhi-Dehradun Expressway opened for trial runs on Monday. The corridor is being constructed in four phases, and the first phase is now open for commuters. The whole corridor is expected to reduce travel time between the capital and Uttarakhand’s winter capital from six hours to two and a half hours. Here is everything you need to know.
32 Km Stretch Of Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Opens For Trials
The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway is a 210 km-long corridor being constructed at a cost of ₹11,868.6 crore. According to a report by Hindustan Times, the expressway was initially expected to be completed by December 2024. Now, the authorities are eyeing February 2026 for the opening.
Reportedly, trial runs on a 32 km section connecting the national capital and Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat have now begun. Congestion on existing routes is expected to ease significantly. It should be noted that the trial will initially run for one month. The 32 km stretch begins at Akshardham Temple and passes through Geeta Colony, Shastri Park and Mandola Vihar in Ghaziabad before finally reaching Khekra in Baghpat.
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New Facilities Planned Along The Route
An NHAI official shared with Hindustan Times that commuters will not be charged toll for using the stretch during the one-month trial period. Additionally, this segment will not only ease traffic but also reduce congestion for commuters travelling from Noida and Ghaziabad. Since the 32 km stretch might see increased traffic, NHAI is working to develop new parking lots and resting facilities along the Delhi stretch between Akshardham Junction and the Uttar Pradesh border. These facilities will feature restrooms, drinking water units and first-aid rooms.
Though only a part of the stretch is opening now, once the whole corridor becomes operational, travel will become much easier. The travel time between the two cities will come down to approximately two and a half hours, compared to the current six hours. According to a report by Hindustan Times, stretches near Delhi are almost ready, while some sections closer to Dehradun require safety audits. A key feature of the project is a 12 km elevated wildlife corridor through Rajaji National Park. It is designed with six animal underpasses to enable safe movement for wildlife.
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Are you excited for the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway to become fully operational in February 2026? We absolutely are!
Cover Image Courtesy: @sangeeth_gvr/ X