PM Modi Set to Inaugurate Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Soon: Travel Time to Reduce to Just 3 Hours

The much-awaited Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, connecting the national capital to Uttarakhand’s capital via Uttar Pradesh, is nearly complete. Stretching over 210 kilometers, this ₹13,000 crore mega project is set to cut down travel time between Delhi and Dehradun to just 2.5–3 hours from the current 6–7 hours, significantly boosting tourism and connectivity.

Final Stretch Nears Completion

A major portion of the expressway is ready, with the final and most challenging 20-km stretch from Ganeshpur to Dehradun, passing through dense forest areas, almost complete. This section falls under Phase 4 of the expressway and has required elevated roads and eco-sensitive construction due to its proximity to the Rajaji Tiger Reserve. 

PM Modi Set to Inaugurate Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Soon: Travel Time to Reduce to Just 3 Hours

ETV Bharat’s on-ground report from this stretch revealed ongoing work at some locations, but most of the segment has been completed, and the remaining tasks are expected to wrap up in the next 2–3 months. Despite delays, officials confirm that an alternative lane has already been prepared, and discussions are underway with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to facilitate early launch.

Asia’s Largest Wildlife Corridor

One of the expressway’s most unique features is that it passes through the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, and yet has been designed to minimize disruption to wildlife movement. An elevated corridor—Asia’s largest for wildlife—has been constructed to allow animals safe passage across the forest.

Speaking on the development, Pankaj Kumar Pandey, Secretary, PWD Uttarakhand, said:

“The project is vital for the state, and we’ve requested Prime Minister Modi to inaugurate it soon.”

The expressway is expected to enhance tourism, improve interstate trade, and serve as a modern infrastructure model balancing development and environment conservation. Once inaugurated, it will mark a milestone in India's highway expansion under the Modi government.