Doonites fear overtourism, jams, more pollution & crime with start of Delhi-Dehradun Expressway
PURNIMA BISHT | DEHRADUN
While the Central and State governments are publicising the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway as a transformative project for connectivity and tourism in Uttarakhand, many locals remain deeply apprehensive about its upcoming opening and impact. Scheduled to open in January 2025, the 210-kilometre access-controlled expressway is expected to slash travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from 6.5 hours to just 2.5 hours.
However, residents and activists fear the project may bring more challenges than benefits. Concerns range from increased traffic congestion and pollution to higher crime rates and overtourism, all of which are expected to strain Dehradun’s infrastructure and resources. Dehradun-based activist Lokesh Ohri voiced his concerns, stating that while the expressway may improve travel efficiency, it is likely to worsen traffic congestion in Dehradun and Mussoorie. “The government should have prioritised resolving Dehradun’s traffic woes, which are already a major issue. Instead, they have introduced this expressway, which will exacerbate the situation for locals,” Ohri said.
He further stated that weekends in popular destinations like Rishikesh and Mussoorie are already chaotic, leaving residents unable to step out of their homes. “The same will happen in Dehradun. Authorities claim they are planning to divert traffic heading to Mussoorie but the hill station has its own limits. Moreover, not every tourist heads to Mussoorie. Our roads are still the same size,” he said.
He also expressed concerns about the socio-economic impact of the reduced travel time, predicting a rise in people choosing to live in Dehradun while working in Delhi-NCR. This will create new problems that will mostly affect locals, he added. The president of the Social Development for Communities (SDC) Foundation Anoop Nautiyal also criticised the lack of consideration for local residents during the planning of the expressway. He said that this project will severely impact the lives of Dehradun’s residents, not just through increased traffic but also by worsening law and order. The city is likely to become vulnerable to a range of crimes and a dedicated police force will be required to manage this. The Police department is already understaffed.
All departments and agencies concerned should come together to address this issue rather than dumping all responsibility and accountability on the police, he said. Nautiyal also warned that such unchecked development could lead Uttarakhand down the path of overtourism, a phenomenon already affecting several European destinations. “If this trend of inefficient urban planning continues, the State will face the adverse effects of overtourism sooner rather than later,” he added. Member of Citizens For Green Doon (CFGD) Ira Chauhan called the expressway a mirage that benefits tourists but ignores the needs of local residents. “What is the point of reaching Dehradun in 2.5 hours if it takes double or triple the time to travel within the city?” she questioned.
Chauhan also warned of a looming water crisis due to the surge in tourist footfall during summer months. “The government has catered to tourists without considering the residents. Dehradun is already witnessing a decline in drinking water availability during summer and arrival of more people will only worsen the situation,” she said. She also averred that only a small percentage of locals travel to Delhi regularly, making the expressway largely redundant for the majority of residents. As the January 2025 launch date approaches, many locals remain sceptical, emphasising the urgent need for sustainable urban planning to address their concerns.
