Gateway to the North: Inside the ₹716 Crore Delhi-Dehradun Link

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is advancing the construction of a 12 km greenfield four-lane access-controlled bypass in Uttarakhand, as part of the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor.

The bypass is designed to ease congestion and improve connectivity by linking Jhajhra to the Paonta Sahib–Ballupur stretch of NH-7, extending up to the Asharori Check Post. With an estimated project cost of ₹716 crore, the initiative aims to divert heavy and through traffic away from Dehradun, reducing congestion and vehicular pollution within the city.

The corridor is also expected to strengthen connectivity to key areas such as Selaqui, Vikasnagar, Herbertpur, and Paonta Sahib, while improving links between Uttarakhand and neighbouring states like Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh. The project is currently about 44% complete and is targeted for completion by April 2027.

To minimise environmental impact, the road will support speeds of up to 80 km/h in forested stretches. It also incorporates wildlife protection measures, including a 350-metre vehicular overpass, to ensure safe movement of animals along the route.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.