NHAI Starts Trial Run on 31-km Delhi–Dehradun Expressway Stretch; Full Corridor Set to Open This Month.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) recently began trial runs on a 31-km stretch of the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway, from Akshardham to the Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE) intersection at Baghpat. The section is expected to significantly ease traffic for commuters from east and northeast Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad heading towards Saharanpur and Chandigarh.

This mostly elevated stretch serves as a bypass to Delhi’s congestion, allowing vehicles to exit the city in under 30 minutes. NHAI officials said the full 213-km access-controlled expressway is scheduled to become fully operational later this month, reducing travel time to Dehradun and Mussoorie to 2–2.5 hours from the current six hours, with a minimum design speed of 100 kmph.

During a first-hand trial, TOI observed the elevated stretch offering a smoother drive above Delhi’s congested roads. However, safety violations, including driving against traffic and taking selfies, were rampant. A commuter cited lack of exits on the barricaded stretch as a reason for wrong-side driving. NHAI officials said patrolling vehicles are being deployed to curb such violations, citing similar measures during the Dwarka Expressway trial run.

To minimize noise pollution and improve safety, the authority has installed noise barriers along residential areas and anti-glare boards along the central divider. Officials noted that some anti-glare boards have been broken or stolen twice since installation and will be replaced ahead of the full launch. Security personnel are also being deployed to protect the glass noise barriers on the elevated sections.

An accident occurred on the newly inaugurated stretch on Monday, when two young men riding a motorcycle skidded off the road and sustained serious injuries. Quick intervention by Delhi Traffic Police, including a traffic inspector transporting the victims to a hospital, helped save critical time.

The expressway is expected to offer safer, faster, and more efficient connectivity for commuters and winter tourists heading to Uttarakhand once the full corridor opens later this month.