Delhi – Dehradun Expressway
A 210 km six-lane expressway reducing travel time to 2.5 hours.
Delhi–Dehradun Expressway (NH 709B) is set to become a transformative link between the national capital, Delhi, and Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand. Currently under construction, this expressway spans 210 kilometers (130 miles) and promises to drastically reduce travel time and distance between the two cities. With a modern six-lane access-controlled design (extendable to eight lanes), the expressway is poised to redefine regional connectivity, boost economic growth, and protect the environment through its innovative features.
Salient Features of the Expressway
- Faster and Shorter Travel
One of the expressway’s primary goals is to significantly cut travel time and distance. Once completed, the journey from Delhi to Dehradun will take just 2.5 hours, compared to the current 5–6 hours. The distance will also be reduced from approximately 280 kilometers (170 miles) to 210 kilometers (130 miles), making it a much more efficient and comfortable trip for commuters and tourists alike. - Environmental and Wildlife Protection
A 12-kilometer (7.5-mile) elevated corridor is being constructed over the Rajaji National Park, ensuring minimal disturbance to the region’s rich wildlife. This feature makes the expressway the second highway in India to have a wildlife protection corridor, following NH-44. Additionally, the route includes tunnels and elevated sections designed to preserve elephant corridors and other sensitive ecosystems. - Integration with Other Highways
The Delhi–Dehradun Expressway will connect seamlessly with key national highways and expressways:- Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE): Enhances connectivity between Delhi and Baghpat.
- Delhi Meerut Expressway: Serves as the starting point of the expressway.
- Ambala–Shamli Expressway: Provides a vital link to Haryana.
- Saharanpur–Roorkee–Haridwar Expressway: Offers direct connectivity to Haridwar and the proposed Haridwar International Airport, expected to be operational by 2030.
- Cost and Economic Impact
The expressway is being developed at an estimated cost of ₹13,000 crore. It is expected to act as a catalyst for economic development by reducing logistics costs, improving trade efficiency, and boosting tourism in Uttarakhand and surrounding states.
Route and Design Highlights
The 210-kilometer-long expressway features modern design principles, access-controlled lanes, and multiple interchanges to improve connectivity. It is divided into three construction phases and includes two additional spurs for improved accessibility.
- Phase I – Delhi to Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE)
This 32-kilometer brownfield stretch starts at the Akshardham Temple in Delhi and extends to the proposed EPE Junction. It includes a 12-lane section with an elevated stretch between Geeta Colony and Khajoori Khas, improving connectivity within the city. - Phase II – EPE Junction to Saharanpur Bypass
The second phase involves a 118-kilometer greenfield stretch, passing through Baghpat, Shamli, and other towns. It features six lanes, seven interchanges, and over 60 underpasses, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted travel. - Phase III – Saharanpur to Dehradun
The final stretch connects Saharanpur to Dehradun via the Rajaji National Park. This 19.5-kilometer stretch includes tunnels, elevated flyovers, and wildlife corridors. A 2.3-kilometer two-tube tunnel and a 4.82-kilometer elevated flyover are among the notable features designed to minimize environmental impact.
Spurs for Enhanced Connectivity
The expressway includes two major spurs to improve access to nearby regions:
- Saharanpur–Roorkee–Haridwar Expressway
This 50.7-kilometer spur begins southeast of Saharanpur and bypasses Roorkee, terminating at Bahadarabad near Haridwar. It will connect directly to the proposed Haridwar International Airport, enhancing tourism and regional connectivity. - Ambala–Shamli Expressway
Spanning 121 kilometers, this six-lane spur connects Shamli with Ambala, providing a vital link to Haryana’s industrial zones.
Key Benefits
- Economic Development
By reducing travel time and logistics costs, the expressway will strengthen regional trade and attract investments in manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. Improved access to industrial and agricultural hubs in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand will benefit local economies. - Tourism Boost
Uttarakhand is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, with attractions such as Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, and the Char Dham circuit. The expressway will make these destinations more accessible, boosting tourism revenue. - Enhanced Safety and Comfort
The expressway is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including smart traffic management systems, underpasses, and service roads, ensuring a safer and more comfortable travel experience.
Environmental Commitment
The Delhi–Saharanpur–Dehradun Expressway represents a significant step toward sustainable infrastructure development. Its elevated wildlife corridor over Rajaji National Park and measures to protect sensitive ecosystems reflect India’s commitment to balancing development with environmental conservation.
Construction Timeline and Current Status
- 2020: The Central Government granted in-principle approval for the project.
- 2021:
- Tenders awarded for the Akshardham-Baghpat district border section.
- The foundation stone for the project was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December.
- 2022: Tender invited for the Shamli–Ambala Expressway spur.
- 2024: The main expressway is scheduled to be completed and opened to traffic by December.
- 2025: The Saharanpur–Roorkee–Haridwar Expressway spur is expected to be completed by May.
FAQs on Delhi–Dehradun Expressway
What is the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway?
The Delhi–Dehradun Expressway, also known as NH 709B, is a 210 km long access-controlled expressway connecting Delhi to Dehradun. It reduces travel time to 2.5 hours and enhances connectivity across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
When will the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway be completed?
The expressway is expected to be completed and opened for traffic by December 2024. The Roorkee-Haridwar Expressway spur is anticipated to be ready by May 2025.
What are the key features of the expressway?
- Six-lane design, extendable to eight lanes.
- Wildlife-friendly elevated corridor over Rajaji National Park.
- Two spurs for connectivity: Saharanpur–Roorkee–Haridwar Expressway and Ambala–Shamli Expressway.
- Tunnel and flyover sections to ensure seamless travel.
How does the expressway benefit travelers?
The expressway reduces travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from 6.5 hours to just 2.5 hours. It also cuts the travel distance from 235 km to 210 km, offering a faster, safer, and more efficient travel experience.
What cities does the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway connect?
The expressway connects Delhi to Dehradun, passing through key cities such as Baghpat, Baraut, Shamli, and Saharanpur.
Is the expressway eco-friendly?
Yes, the expressway features a 12 km elevated corridor over Rajaji National Park to protect wildlife. It is the second highway in India with such a wildlife protection corridor.
How much does the expressway project cost?
The total estimated cost of the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway project is approximately ₹13,000 crore.
Will the expressway connect with other major highways?
Yes, the expressway will connect with:
- Eastern Peripheral Expressway near Baghpat.
- Delhi–Meerut Expressway.
- Saharanpur–Roorkee–Haridwar Expressway.
- Ambala–Shamli Expressway.
What is the purpose of the Roorkee-Haridwar Expressway spur?
The 50.7 km Roorkee-Haridwar Expressway spur ensures direct connectivity to Haridwar and the proposed Haridwar International Airport, enhancing accessibility to the region.
What is the significance of the expressway for the region?
The expressway is expected to boost tourism, trade, and economic development in North India while improving road safety and reducing carbon emissions by cutting travel time and distance.
Delhi–Dehradun Expressway is a landmark project that exemplifies India’s focus on developing world-class infrastructure. By significantly reducing travel time, boosting regional connectivity, and promoting sustainable development, the expressway will have a profound impact on the lives of people in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. As its completion draws closer, this project stands as a testament to the transformative power of well-planned infrastructure in driving economic growth and improving quality of life.
