First Phase of Delhi–Dehradun Expressway Ready; Trial Run Begins, Nonstop Travel to Baghpat Starts

Ghaziabad: The first phase of the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway (DDE) is now complete, and the stretch from Akshardham in Delhi to Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, covering approximately 32 km, has been opened for trial runs. This arrangement will remain in effect until further orders. The development comes as a major relief for lakhs of daily commuters from Ghaziabad, Loni, and East Delhi, who have long struggled with severe traffic congestion.

A ₹12,000-Crore Game Changer for Commuters

Once fully operational, the expressway—being constructed at a cost of around ₹12,000 crore—will allow commuters to travel without getting stuck in traffic snarls. The new corridor promises a smooth, fast, and comfortable ride, eliminating the hours of slow-moving traffic that residents previously endured while entering central Delhi from Loni and adjoining areas.

Following a successful trial run, the formal inauguration is expected soon. With this, the travel time between Delhi and Dehradun will reduce dramatically to just 2.5 to 3 hours. However, some construction work remains ongoing between Baghpat and Dehradun.

Major Relief From Congestion at Seelampur, Shastri Park Intersections

Until now, commuters entering Delhi from Loni or East Ghaziabad were forced to pass through heavily congested zones such as Seelampur, Yamuna Vihar, and Shastri Park. Encroachment, roadside vendors, and unorganized parking along these routes made traffic movement extremely slow.

Similarly, the old Delhi–Saharanpur Road—used by vehicles from Baghpat—was narrow and passed through several small settlements, making high-speed travel impossible. The new expressway bypasses these choke points entirely, offering uninterrupted movement.

No Toll Tax for Now

In another big relief, there will be no toll tax on the stretch from Akshardham to Loni Border during the trial phase. This means residents of Loni and East Delhi can reach central parts of the city quickly without paying any toll.

The expressway also connects to the Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE) near Baghpat, and plans are underway to link it with the Delhi–Meerut Expressway (DME) in the future.

Travel Time Reduced Significantly

With the opening of this elevated 6-lane expressway:

• The journey from Loni Border to Akshardham, which earlier took over an hour, will now be completed in 15–20 minutes.
• The travel time from Khekra (Baghpat) to Akshardham will drop to under 30 minutes.

For residents of Ghaziabad, Loni, and Delhi, this marks the beginning of a smoother, quicker, and far more convenient commute.