Delhi-Dehradun Expressway opening: The much-awaited Delhi-Dehradun Expressway is likely to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 14. Once operational, the expressway will play a key role in easing congestion in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi and reducing traffic on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway and other connecting highways. The project has been executed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Speaking to IndianExpress.com, a senior NHAI official has confirmed the development. When asked whether the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway would be inaugurated by PM Modi on April 14, the official said yes, it is scheduled to be inaugurated on that date.

The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, starting from Akshardham Temple, Delhi would pass through Baghpat, Baraut, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli and Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh) and end at Dehradun.

The Dehradun-Delhi Expressway will have a designated speed limit of 100 kmph and is expected to reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from the current 6.5 hours to just 2.5 hours.

The expressway, would have a spur towards Haridwar and would also connect to Char Dhaam Highway, thus enhancing the connectivity to the hill stations and pilgrimage sites of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.

The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway has been built at a cost of around Rs 12,000 crore. This 6-lane access-controlled corridor has 7 Interchanges, 2 ROBs, 10 Bridges and 14 Wayside amenities to enable high-speed travel with convenience and road safety.

The expressway also promotes environmental sustainability and safety with a 370-m-long tunnel near Daat Kali temple. It features Asia’s largest 12-km-long elevated wildlife corridor, along with two 200-m-long elephant underpasses and six animal passes—ensuring safer crossings, reducing accidents and enabling uninterrupted wildlife movement.