Authorities brace for traffic surge in Doon ahead of Delhi-Dehradun Expressway’s opening
PURNIMA BISHT | DEHRADUN
Since Dehradun no longer has the capacity to accommodate additional traffic and with the footfall of tourists expected to triple following the opening of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway in January next year, the authorities are conducting an infrastructural analysis in Dehradun and nearby areas. The aim is to ensure that traffic heading to Mussoorie bypasses the city, the director of the Traffic Directorate Arun Mohan Joshi said. With the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway nearing completion and set to open in January 2025, authorities in Dehradun are ramping up efforts to address potential traffic challenges.
The expressway, a 210-kilometre access-controlled motorway, is expected to reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from 6.5 hours to just 2.5 hours, making it a game-changer for connectivity and tourism. However, the surge in tourist footfall, expected to triple during peak seasons, has raised concerns about Dehradun’s capacity to handle increased traffic.
Joshi stated that recognising the city’s infrastructural constraints, the directorate is working with the Dehradun district administration and the police to devise plans to divert traffic to Mussoorie away from the city. The police, in collaboration with the Dehradun district administration, have drafted a plan and are currently assessing its feasibility.
According to Joshi, the proposed plan, currently under feasibility analysis, will reroute tourists heading to Mussoorie through an alternative route that bypasses Dehradun’s congested areas. While this diversion will possibly add upto 30 kilometres to the journey, it promises a smoother, obstruction-free route for travellers. “This initiative aims to strike a balance between the convenience of tourists and the well-being of Dehradun residents. Our goal is to ensure that tourists can reach Mussoorie without encountering heavy traffic, while minimising the impact of increased footfall on local infrastructure,” he said.
While the current plan is still under review, Joshi emphasised that adjustments will be made as necessary to optimise traffic flow and address relevant concerns. He stated that authorities are preparing for the expressway’s transformative impact on regional connectivity and tourism.
