Delhi’s long-awaited high-speed link to Uttarakhand has moved a step closer to completion, with the first stretch of the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway opening for public trials. The 210-kilometre corridor, designed to cut the journey between the two cities from six hours to roughly two and a half, is one of India’s most ambitious inter-state mobility upgrades and is expected to reshape regional connectivity and commuter patterns.
The trial run covers a 32-kilometre section extending from the Akshardham precinct in east Delhi to the outskirts of Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh. Officials said the pilot phase will operate toll-free for one month, offering traffic managers crucial data on peak-hour flow, vehicle distribution, and local diversion impacts. The segment is part of Phase One of the four-stage project, which forms the entry point to the expressway from the national capital.Once completed, the expressway will run through several districts in Uttar Pradesh before terminating in Dehradun. It has been designed as an access-controlled corridor with six to twelve lanes, depending on traffic density. A senior official involved in the project said the new route is expected to divert thousands of vehicles currently congesting eastern Delhi’s arterial roads, easing pressure on city streets and improving air quality by reducing idling time.
The project’s ecological and social design features reflect a growing national shift towards sustainable inter-city travel. A standout component is a 12-kilometre elevated wildlife corridor near Rajaji National Park, described by experts as the longest such structure in Asia, engineered to allow unhindered movement of elephants and other species. The expressway also reserves 10 per cent of its parking capacity for electric vehicles and includes shaded rest areas, solar lighting, sanitation blocks, and essential commuter services to enhance comfort and safety.
While construction was initially scheduled for completion in 2024, officials confirmed that delays have pushed the expected opening to February 2026. However, industry observers say the pilot opening of the Delhi–Baghpat stretch offers reassurance that major civil works are nearing completion, particularly on the second phase extending towards Saharanpur.
To support the rising commuter load, the NHAI is building three modern rest and parking facilities along the Delhi portion of the route. These will be located near the East Delhi district magistrate’s office, the Gandhi Nagar market, and Geeta Colony. Equipped with first-aid units, drinking water stations, and electronic parking management systems, planners say the facilities are intended to create a safer and more inclusive mobility environment.Urban transport specialists believe the expressway will strengthen regional economic integration while reducing travel stress for daily commuters and logistics operators. They also emphasise that long-distance highways must incorporate climate-sensitive design and equitable access, positioning the Delhi–Dehradun corridor as a test case for future zero-carbon mobility infrastructure in India.
Delhi Starts Trial On 210 Km Corridor Connecting City To Dehradun
