The long-awaited Delhi-Dehradun Expressway is now expected to open for public use by February 2026, marking a new milestone in road connectivity between the national capital and Uttarakhand. The ₹11,868.6 crore project, being developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), has faced multiple delays since its initial target of December 2024.
Once operational, the 210-km expressway will drastically reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from nearly six hours to just 2.5 hours, offering commuters a safer and faster alternative route.
Project Timeline and Current Status
Initially scheduled for completion in December 2024, the project’s deadline was later pushed to October 2025, as informed by the government in a Rajya Sabha reply in July 2025. However, some stretches still remain under construction.
Officials revealed that the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) advised the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to inaugurate the project only after all four phases are fully operational.
The expressway has been divided into four major phases:
- Phase 1: From Akshardham (Delhi) to Khekra (Baghpat) – completed and operational for over six months.
- Phase 2: Baghpat to Saharanpur – nearly complete, with minor finishing work ongoing.
- Phase 3: Saharanpur Bypass to Ganeshpur – widening work in advanced stages.
- Phase 4: Ganeshpur to Dehradun – includes tunnels and elevated stretches; finishing and safety work are in progress.
According to NHAI officials, final tasks such as flood protection near Daat Kali Temple, installation of mobile towers, and tunnel finishing are expected to conclude by November 2025.
Unique Features of the Expressway
The foundation stone of the project was laid in February 2021 by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, followed by a ceremonial foundation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2021.
The expressway will pass through key locations including Baghpat, Baraut, Shamli, and Saharanpur, before entering Uttarakhand, enhancing connectivity for both commuters and tourists.
A major highlight of the project is its 12-km-long elevated corridor through Rajaji National Park, touted to be Asia’s longest wildlife corridor, designed with six animal underpasses to ensure safe wildlife movement.
The expressway will also include over 100 underpasses, five railway overbridges, and connections to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Eastern Peripheral Expressway, and major routes to Haridwar and Roorkee.
Once completed, the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway is expected to not only boost tourism and trade in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, but also significantly decongest city traffic and promote sustainable development along its route.
