Trial runs start on Delhi-Dehradun Expressway
Trial operations have begun on two completed sections of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway. The road links Akshardham in East Delhi to Khekra near the Eastern Peripheral Expressway. Once fully operational, the expressway will reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from six hours to about two and a half hours.
Remaining sections to open in January
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has said that the remaining four sections of the 212-kilometre expressway are expected to open in January. These sections pass through Roorkee, Meerut, and Saharanpur, completing the entire route from Delhi to Dehradun.
Nitin Gadkari confirms expressway launch
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari informed Parliament on December 17 that the expressway is likely to open within 10 to 15 days. Earlier, he had announced the inauguration in July and August, with the initial plan targeting October.
Delays linked to transmission line work
Officials said delays were mainly due to relocating a 400 kV high-voltage transmission line in Muzaffarnagar. The work is halfway complete and is expected to finish by the end of December or early January.
Sections currently open for trials
The sections currently open for trial runs stretch from Akshardham to the UP border near Loni in Ghaziabad and from Loni to Khekra in Baghpat. Combined, these two stretches cover 30 kilometres and allow drivers to experience the new road before the full inauguration.
Remaining sections overview
The remaining sections cover 27 kilometres from Khekra to Lohadda village, 30 kilometres from Lohadda to Karaunda Mahajan village, 26 kilometres from Karaunda Mahajan to Khyawari village, and 37 kilometres from Khyawari to Latifpur village near the Saharanpur bypass. The expressway will enter Dehradun via Biharigarh, Ganeshpur, and Asharodi.
Key features of expressway
The completed Delhi-Dehradun stretch includes 113 vehicular underpasses, 62 bus shelters, 76 kilometres of service roads, 16 entry points, and 12 wayside amenities. An elevated road from Asharodi to Ganeshpur in Dehradun has also been finished and is ready for inauguration.
Future connectivity
Once fully operational, the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway will connect with the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. This will improve travel efficiency between northern and western India and is expected to support regional development and economic growth.