Rs 716 Crore Bypass To Decongest Dehradun, Ease Travel From Delhi-NCR

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is constructing a 12 km-long greenfield bypass in Uttarakhand's Dehradun to decongest the winter capital city battling constant traffic jams. The four-lane access-controlled bypass is being constructed at a cost of Rs 716 crore and will directly connect to the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway. The bypass will start from Jhajhara and connect the Paonta Sahib-Ballupur section of NH-7 and will connect to the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway near the Asharodi check post.

The project will function as an alternate south-western route that will divert traffic from the middle of Dehradun city towards Selaqui industrial area, Vikasnagar, Herbertpur in Uttarakhand and Paonta Sahib in Himachal Pradesh. It is expected to be completed by April 2027.

The project will significantly help to reduce traffic congestion and vehicular pollution in Dehradun. It will also improve inter-state connectivity to Northern regions including Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh through the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor.

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Major Relief For Delhi To Mussoorie Commuters

Tourists using the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway will not have to tackle the Dehradun traffic once the bypass is completed. It will allow for faster and quicker connectivity to Mussoorie, as the travel time will be reduced by 30-40 minutes. The stress of traffic, especially on the long weekends, will also be significantly reduced in Dehradun city.

Commuters will enjoy easier travel from Dehradun to Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Vikasnagar and Paonta Sahib. The project will also speed up freight movement to industrial areas, boosting the regional economy.

Long-Term Sustainability

While the design speed will be 100 kmph, certain stretches have been planned with a regulated speed of 80 kmph to minimise impact on forest land. In line with environmental considerations, the width of the Highway (Right of Way) has been optimised to 30 meters, which is lower than the conventional 60 metres, thereby preserving forest trees and maintaining ecological balance.

A 350-meter-long Vehicular Over Pass (VOP) will be constructed as part of the project to facilitate safe movement of large animals, along with a dedicated Cattle Over Pass (COP). In addition, seven minor bridges and 21 box culverts will be constructed to support the movement of wildlife. Movement of smaller fauna such as reptiles and amphibians will be facilitated through five dedicated Hume Pipe culverts.