Trial Run Begins on Delhi-Dehradun Expressway: Travel to Uttarakhand in Just 2.5 Hours

Meerut: A major relief for North India’s travelers: the much-awaited Delhi–Saharanpur–Dehradun Expressway has officially begun its trial run from midnight on Sunday. Stretching over 210 kilometers, this six-lane greenfield expressway is set to cut travel time from Delhi to Dehradun from 5–6 hours to just 2.5 hours.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) removed all barricades near Geeta Colony, Khajuri Khas, Sonia Vihar, and Akshardham, allowing a limited number of vehicles to test the new route. Traffic on the expressway is expected to increase rapidly as more sections open for vehicles.

Elevated design eases Delhi traffic
The expressway is fully elevated within Delhi, starting near the Akshardham Metro Station and connecting directly to the Delhi–Meerut Expressway. This design will provide permanent relief from heavy traffic at ITO, Anand Vihar, Geeta Colony, Khajuri Khas, and Sonia Vihar. Local commuters have welcomed the development with great enthusiasm.

Mega project nearing completion
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 4 December 2021, the ₹11,800 crore project includes Asia’s longest elevated wildlife corridor. Despite challenges like rain, fog, land acquisition issues, and technical hurdles, the project is now in its final stages.

Public opening expected soon
According to senior NHAI officials, if the trial run proves successful, the expressway will fully open to the public by the end of December 2025 or the first week of January 2026, followed by an official inauguration ceremony.

Boost for Uttarakhand tourism
Once operational, the expressway will significantly reduce travel time to tourist destinations including Dehradun, Mussoorie, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Chakrata. This is expected to increase weekend trips and religious tourism in the region.