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On a recent inspection of the 210-kilometre Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Harsh Malhotra, received assurances from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) that the expressway will be operational in three months. With an estimated cost of ₹12,000 crore, this project aims to significantly reduce the travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from 6.5 hours to just 2.5 hours, offering a swift and efficient route for travellers.
This ambitious expressway is set to transform travel dynamics by providing a direct link between the national capital, Delhi, and Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand. Originating from Akshardham Temple in Delhi, the route extends through various districts of Uttar Pradesh including Baghpat, Baraut, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, and Saharanpur, eventually reaching Dehradun. This controlled-access highway is designed for an operational speed limit of 100 kmph, ensuring a fast and safe journey for commuters.
Harsh Malhotra emphasized the strategic importance of the expressway, highlighting its potential to alleviate congestion in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. It is expected to divert traffic away from the Delhi-Meerut Expressway and other connecting highways, thereby reducing bottlenecks and improving overall travel efficiency in the region. Malhotra's tour of the entire stretch alongside NHAI officials helped identify critical bottlenecks, prompting immediate actions to ensure the project's completion within the promised timeframe.
The construction of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, which was approved in 2020 and saw its foundation laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December of the same year, was projected to meet its March 2024 deadline. This route is not just a passage between two cities but a gateway to the hill stations and pilgrimage sites of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, thanks to a spur towards Haridwar and a connection to the Char Dham Highway.
A noteworthy feature of the expressway is its final 20-kilometre stretch that traverses the eco-sensitive zone of Rajaji National Park. Here, efforts to mitigate environmental impact have led to the construction of Asia's longest elevated wildlife corridor, spanning 12 kilometres, along with the 340-metre Daat Kali tunnel. These measures aim to ensure a balance between infrastructural development and ecological conservation.
India boasts an extensive network of expressways, enhancing connectivity and reducing travel times across the country. These high-speed, access-controlled roads are pivotal in facilitating efficient transportation. Here's an overview of some of the prominent expressways in India:
Major Expressways in India
1. Delhi-Mumbai Expressway
Length: Approximately 1,386 km
Route: Connects Delhi to Mumbai via Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat
Status: Partially operational; full completion expected by 2025
Highlights: Aims to reduce travel time between Delhi and Mumbai from 24 hours to 12 hours
2. Mumbai-Pune Expressway
Length: 94.5 km
Route: Links Mumbai to Pune
Status: Operational since 2002
Highlights: India's first six-lane concrete, access-controlled expressway
3. Yamuna Expressway
Length: 165 km
Route: Connects Greater Noida to Agra
Status: Operational since 2012
Highlights: Enhances connectivity to the Taj Mahal and boosts tourism in Uttar Pradesh
4. Agra-Lucknow Expressway
Length: 302 km
Route: Connects Agra to Lucknow
Status: Operational since 2016
Highlights: Reduces travel time between Agra and Lucknow significantly
5. Purvanchal Expressway
Length: 340.8 km
Route: Connects Lucknow to Ghazipur
Status: Operational
Highlights: Boosts development in Eastern Uttar Pradesh
6. Delhi-Meerut Expressway
Length: 96 km
Route: Connects Delhi to Meerut
Status: Operational
Highlights: Reduces travel time between Delhi and Meerut to about 45 minutes
7. Eastern Peripheral Expressway
Length: 135 km
Route: Encircles Delhi, connecting Kundli to Palwal via Ghaziabad and Noida
Status: Operational
Highlights: Diverts heavy traffic from Delhi, reducing congestion and pollution
8. Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway
Length: 262 km
Route: Connects Bengaluru to Chennai
Status: Under construction; expected completion by August 2025
Highlights: Will reduce travel time between the two cities from 7-8 hours to approximately 2-3 hours
9. Ganga Expressway
Length: 594 km
Route: Connects Meerut to Prayagraj
Status: Under construction
Highlights: Aims to enhance connectivity in Uttar Pradesh
10. Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway
Length: 1,256.95 km
Route: Connects Amritsar in Punjab to Jamnagar in Gujarat
Status: Under construction; partial sections operational
Highlights: Will reduce travel time between Amritsar and Jamnagar from 26 hours to 13 hours
These expressways are instrumental in bolstering India's infrastructure, facilitating trade, and promoting regional development. The ongoing and upcoming projects reflect the country's commitment to enhancing its transportation network.
The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway represents a significant advancement in India's road infrastructure, promising to enhance connectivity and reduce travel times. With its strategic design and consideration for environmental sustainability, this project stands as a testament to the country's commitment to improving transportation efficiency while preserving its natural heritage.
