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With the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway open, commuters report a smoother, faster journey with major time savings, though some raised concerns over high toll charges
With the expressway now fully operational, commuters can travel at consistent speeds within permitted limits, marking a major shift in connectivity standards between Delhi and Uttarakhand. (PTI)
Travel between Delhi and Dehradun has become considerably faster and more seamless following the inauguration of the Delhi-Dehradun Greenfield Expressway by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 14. Opened to the public on the first day itself, the project has already transformed the travel experience for commuters heading towards the hill state of Uttarakhand.
As vehicles began plying on the newly opened expressway, commuters shared mixed reactions with Local18. Many highlighted the dramatic reduction in travel time and improved road quality, while some pointed out the absence of petrol pumps along stretches and relatively high toll charges.
Despite these concerns, most travellers agreed that the overall journey had become significantly more comfortable and efficient compared to earlier routes.
Public Response To Delhi-Dehradun Expressway
Rupesh, a frequent traveller from Delhi, said he reached Saharanpur in just about two hours and expected to reach Dehradun within approximately two and a half hours in total. He noted that the expressway has greatly improved his business travel schedule, allowing him to complete work in Dehradun and return to Delhi the same day.
Another commuter echoed similar views, stating that although toll charges are high, the convenience and smooth driving experience outweigh the cost.
Sachin Sharma, who travelled from Dehradun, shared that earlier journeys often took two to two and a half hours and could become unpredictable due to traffic congestion in hilly regions. With the new expressway, however, the journey between Dehradun and Saharanpur now takes around 45 minutes under normal conditions. He also noted that the expressway has a speed limit of 100 km/h, but they travelled from Dehradun to Saharanpur at around 80-90 km/h while still enjoying a smooth and comfortable journey.
Key Project Features And Construction Timeline
The expressway, which took over four and a half years to complete, has been developed at an estimated cost of around Rs 12,000 crore. Designed to improve high-speed connectivity between Delhi and Uttarakhand, the project allows uninterrupted travel without frequent stops, significantly reducing congestion along the route.
A major engineering highlight of the Delhi-Dehradun expressway includes a 12-kilometre elevated stretch along with a dedicated wildlife corridor designed to ensure safe passage for animals while maintaining connectivity through the hilly terrain.
A Major Boost To Regional Connectivity
With the expressway now fully operational, commuters can travel at consistent speeds within permitted limits, marking a major shift in connectivity standards between the national capital and Uttarakhand.
The project is expected to enhance tourism, improve business travel efficiency, and provide a long-term boost to regional mobility.
Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal), India, India
April 15, 2026, 15:51 IST
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