Delhi-Dehradun Expressway's Akshardham-BaghpatPhase Setto Open by June 2024

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is gearing up to operationalize the first phase of the Delhi-Dehradun greenfield expressway by June 2024. The 31.65km stretch from Akshardham to Baghpat is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities from 5 hours to just 2.5 hours, providing a major boost to connectivity in the region.

Why this matters: The Delhi-Dehradun expressway's operationalization will have a profound impact on the regional economy, facilitating the movement of goods and people, and boosting tourism. Moreover, the project's emphasis on environmental sustainability and wildlife conservation sets a precedent for future infrastructure development in India.

The six-lane expressway, spanning approximately 212km, is being constructed at an estimated cost of ₹12,000 crore. The Akshardham to Baghpat section comprises two packages: Akshardham to Khekra and Khekra to the Mavi Kalan interchange on the Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE) in Baghpat. The elevated portion of the expressway stretches for about 18km, with 6km in Delhi (Geeta Colony to Khajuri Khas) and the remaining 12km (Police Chowki to Mavi village) in Uttar Pradesh.

A senior NHAI official stated, "Phase 1 of the project is 90-95% complete, and work is on to set signage, expansion joints and other infrastructure in place. The work for the carriageways is also complete. We believe that phase 1 will be made operational by the end of June." The estimated civil construction cost for packages 1 and 2 stands at ₹1,100 crore and ₹1,324 crore, respectively.

The Delhi-Dehradun expressway will provide seamless connectivity for commuters, bypassing congested stretches of Ghaziabad, Meerut, Muzffarnagar, Roorkee, and Haridwar. The project faced delays because restrictions on construction activities under the graded response action plan (Grap) to control air pollution pushed back the initial March completion target.

Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari emphasized that the expressway is being built to match international standards and will feature six animal underpasses to facilitate wildlife movement. This attention to environmental concerns demonstrates the project's commitment to sustainable development.

The operationalization of the Akshardham-Baghpat phase marks a significant milestone in the Delhi-Dehradun expressway project. With the promise of reduced travel time and enhanced connectivity, the expressway is set to transform travel between the two cities, benefiting both commuters and the local economy. Nearing completion, anticipation builds for the transformative impact it will have on the region's transportation infrastructure.

Key Takeaways

• Delhi-Dehradun greenfield expressway's 1st phase to be operational by June 2024.
• 31.65km stretch from Akshardham to Baghpat to reduce travel time from 5 hours to 2.5 hours.
• Project cost: ₹12,000 crore; 6-lane expressway spans 212km.
• Expressway features 6 animal underpasses for wildlife conservation.
• Project to boost regional economy, tourism, and connectivity.