In a major development for commuters, a 3.4 km stretch of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway has been opened to the public, promising a smoother and faster journey. The expressway, which is currently under construction, aims to reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from 6-7 hours to just 2.5-3 hours once fully operational. Previously, only three lanes were accessible, but now all six lanes on this newly opened section are available for use.

The 212 km-long expressway is being built in four phases and will provide a seamless connection between Delhi and Dehradun. The route includes Shastri Park, Khajuri Khas, and Mandola in Khekra, extending into Baghpat, Shamli, and Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, before reaching Dehradun in Uttarakhand. It also integrates with the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, enhancing connectivity across multiple states.

Once completed, the expressway will significantly improve travel efficiency, making it the fastest and most convenient route between Delhi and Dehradun. However, as of now, only a small 3.4 km section has been opened, with the remaining stretches still under construction.

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A key advantage for commuters is that the first 18 km of the expressway, from Akshardham Temple to Loni in Ghaziabad, will remain toll-free. Unlike conventional toll plazas, the expressway is expected to use an automated scanning system to deduct toll charges based on the distance traveled. However, official details on toll fees have not yet been announced.

Expected toll chargesCurrently, travelers on the Delhi-Dehradun route pay approximately INR 500 in toll fees, with multiple toll plazas along the way charging amounts such as INR 130, INR 90, and INR 75. While the expressway will reduce travel time, many expect that the toll charges may increase. There have also been discussions about introducing a toll pass system, which could potentially reduce costs for frequent travelers. Further details on this system are awaited.

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The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway is set to revolutionize travel between the two cities, providing a faster, safer, and more efficient route. The ongoing construction has already shown progress, and once fully opened, it will significantly boost tourism and trade between Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.