Delhi-Dehradun Expressway delayed again: Public awaits clarity from NHAI on Phase 4 opening since March 2025
Delhi-Dehradun Expressway delayed again: The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway is a big road project. It aims to cut travel time from over six hours to about 2.5 hours. But the project has faced many delays. People are now waiting for clear answers on when it will fully open. Phase 1 is already finished. It covers a 32-km stretch from Akshardham to Baghpat. It was completed on March 2025 itself. But other phases 2.3 & 4 has not officially completed and opened yet. Commuters are still facing problems due to the delay.
Dear @NHAI_Official It's been a while there is NO clarity or update on the Delhi-Dehradun expressway. Phase-1 was completed last year itself, when do you plan to get it operational for public?I'm sure you understand there has been suffering for commuters for 2+ years now.
There has been no clear update from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Devendra Pratap Singh, an X user, shared his frustration via post. He said people have been suffering for more than two years. Anand Sankar, another X user, also post about the delays. He said the project keeps missing deadlines. Many people feel the same and are growing impatient.
Our Delhi Dehradun expressway also keeps missing deadlines.
The main reason for the delay is a legal issue. A land dispute in Mandola, Ghaziabad, is still in court. The Supreme Court and High Court had planned to hold hearings in April 2025 already. However, there still isn't any clear update about its opening.
Some parts of the expressway are ready. Phase 1 and a 3.4-km section in Dehradun are already in use. But the full 210-km road is not yet open. The expressway includes modern features like a 12-km elevated wildlife corridor over Rajaji National Park. People are hoping the full expressway will open soon.
Delhi-Dehradun Expressway: Project overview and current status
The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway is a six-lane (expandable to eight lanes) controlled-access highway connecting Delhi to Dehradun via Uttar Pradesh. This expressway passes through key towns such as Baghpat, Shamli, and Saharanpur. The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway project, costing over ₹12,000 crore, is part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. It includes several engineering marvels such as 113 underpasses, five railway overbridges, and a 12-km elevated corridor to protect wildlife in Rajaji National Park.
Delhi-Dehradun Expressway construction is divided into four phases:
Phase 1: Akshardham (Delhi) to Khekra (Baghpat) – Completed and partially operational
Phase 2: Eastern Peripheral Expressway to Saharanpur – Nearing completion
Phase 3: Saharanpur to Ganeshpur (Uttarakhand border) – Advanced stages
Phase 4: Ganeshpur to Dehradun – Final stretch with longest wildlife corridor, delayed due to legal issues.
What about Delhi - Dehradun expressway ??
Partial openings have eased traffic on some stretches. Phase 4 is yet to open. Once it does, travel time will drop sharply. It will also improve regional connectivity. Economic growth will get a strong boost.
Delhi-Dehradun Expressway: Legal proceedings impacting the Opening
The expressway's delay is due to a land ownership dispute. It involves a property in Mandola, Ghaziabad. This issue has stalled the final clearance. Without it, full operation can't begin. The Supreme Court had set hearings for mid-April 2025. But now, the High Court's verdict which was expected on April 29, 2025 is set to clear things.
I Feel Ashamed Being A BJP Supporter When Toll's Are Started Before Completion of The Delhi Dehradun Expressway Moreover if Inaugrated.What We Can Answer Who Ask About This All.@nitin_gadkari @OfficeOfNG pic.twitter.com/VX1ePlIriQ
Delhi-Dehradun Expressway: Regional benefits
Besides cutting travel time, the expressway has Asia's longest elevated wildlife corridor. It runs over Rajaji National Park. It helps protect animal migration routes. This will help protect both local communities and ecosystems.
FAQs
1. Why is the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway delayed?
Answer: The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway delay is primarily due to a legal dispute over land in Mandola, Ghaziabad.
2. When is the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway expected to open fully?
Answer: The full opening of Delhi-Dehradun Expressway is projected for late 2025. There's a pending High Court's verdict yet to come.
3. What is the length and design of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway?
Answer: The expressway is approximately 210 km long, six lanes wide, and includes a 12-km elevated wildlife corridor over Rajaji National Park.
4. How much will the Delhi-Dehradun expressway reduce travel time?
Answer: It will cut travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from around 6 hours to approximately 2.5 hours.
5. What are the environmental features of the Delhi-Dehradun expressway?
Answer: It features Asia's longest elevated wildlife corridor to protect animals and reduce human-wildlife conflicts.
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