Delhi Dehradun Expressway: NHAI Plans Trial Run Ahead of Full Launch, e-Way to Open Soon

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is gearing up to conduct a trial run on the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, a major connectivity project under the Bharatmala initiative. The trial will help assess whether vehicles can move smoothly without facing operational or structural challenges on the expressway.

About the Expressway Stretch

A 14.75-kilometer stretch of the expressway has been constructed within the National Capital Territory, starting from NH-9 near Akshardham Temple, and passing through Geeta Colony, New Usmanpur, Shastri Park, and Khajuri Khas to the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border along Pushta Road.

This section of the highway had been under technical scrutiny after a preliminary assessment conducted by the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) revealed 35 faulty bearings. These bearings have since been replaced, and authorities are now considering a test run before the section is fully opened to the public.

Controlled Openings During Trial Phase

An NHAI official confirmed that the highway section will be partially opened for vehicular movement at different times during the trial phase. This phased trial will allow engineers and planners to monitor traffic behavior, stress points, and any unforeseen technical glitches before full-scale operations commence.

Strategic Importance

The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, once fully functional, is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the capital and Dehradun, a key gateway to Uttarakhand and the Himalayas. It will also aid in boosting tourism, logistics efficiency, and overall regional connectivity in North India.

The trial run marks the final phase before commissioning this vital stretch, with commuters and stakeholders eagerly awaiting smoother, faster road access to the hills. 

Once fully operational, the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway will dramatically cut travel time from 6 hours to just about 2.5–3 hours, reducing congestion on existing routes and enhancing access to tourism hubs like Rishikesh, Mussoorie, and Haridwar.

This corridor is expected to become a critical economic artery, promoting trade, tourism, and regional development between Delhi, western Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. It is also poised to reduce vehicular emissions and fuel consumption by offering smoother traffic flow and shorter routes.