By Arun Kumar Das
New Delhi, Apr 23: Aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and decongesting traffic in Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand state, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is constructing a 12 km long Greenfield four-lane access-controlled bypass.
The bypass will connect Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor in the state of Uttarakhand.
The project involves development of a greenfield alignment from Jhajhra connecting the new Paonta Saheb-Ballupur section of NH-7 and ending at Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor near Asharori Check Post in Dehradun District of Uttarakhand.
The project is being implemented at capital cost of around Rs 716 crores and physical progress of around 44 per cent has already been achieved. The project is expected to be completed by April 2027.
Strategically designed as a fully access-controlled National Highway, the bypass will function as an alternate south-western route, diverting non-destined traffic to bypass the urban core of Dehradun city towards Selaqui industrial area, Vikasnagar, Herbertpur in Uttarakhand and Paonta Sahib in Himachal Pradesh.
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 Delhi Dehradun Economic Corridor.
The project has been designed with a focus on long-term sustainability. While the design speed will be 100 kmph, certain stretches have been planned with a regulated speed of 80 kmph to minimize impact on forest land. In line with environmental considerations, the width of the Highway (Right of Way) has been optimized to 30 meters, which is lower than the conventional 60 metres, thereby preserving forest trees and maintaining ecological balance.
Given the project’s alignment through forest areas, several mitigation measures have been incorporated to ensure protection of wildlife. These include construction of a 350-meter-long Vehicular Overpass (VOP) 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 movement of wildlife. Movement of smaller fauna such as reptiles and amphibians will be facilitated through five dedicated Hume Pipe culverts.
To further enhance safety and ecological protection, continuous fencing is being installed along the project stretch, along with appropriate signage indicating speed limits and wildlife zones.
These measures are aimed at minimizing human-wildlife conflict and ensuring safe passage for animals across the forest area. The project will also improve connectivity to key tourist destinations, including Mussoorie, thereby supporting tourism growth in the region.
Upon completion, the bypass will provide substantial relief to residents of Dehradun by diverting heavy and transit traffic away from the city, improving overall urban mobility and quality of life in the region. (BVI)
