Delhi-Dehradun Expressway: Next Stop, February 2026!

The Delhi–Dehradun Expressway, a 210 km greenfield corridor aimed at cutting travel time between the two cities from six hours to under three, is now expected to open by February 2026.

Originally slated for completion in December 2024, the ₹11,868.6 crore project has experienced multiple delays, with the deadline now extended to October 2025. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has directed that the expressway be inaugurated only after the completion of all four phases. While the first phase (Akshardham to Khekra) is complete and the second phase (towards Saharanpur) is nearing completion, the third phase is in advanced stages, and the final phase near Dehradun is currently focused on safety and finishing works.

Despite environmental challenges, including deforestation concerns, the project incorporates compensatory afforestation measures and extensive mitigation plans. A key highlight is Asia’s longest elevated corridor through Rajaji National Park, designed with animal underpasses to ensure safe wildlife movement and ecological balance.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.