Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced that the Delhi-Haridwar Expressway is expected to open to the public next month. The new access-controlled highway is expected to reduce travel time between Delhi and Haridwar to around 90 minutes. At present, the journey can take four to five hours, particularly when traffic is heavy. The new route aims to provide faster connectivity between the national capital and the holy city of Haridwar, making travel easier for tourists, pilgrims and regular commuters.
Gadkari Announces Opening Timeline
Gadkari announced the development at a national conference organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on the future of highways in India, focusing on smart, safe and sustainable infrastructure. He said the new road project would provide direct and faster connectivity to Haridwar. The expressway is being developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Once opened, it is expected to reduce traffic-related delays and make journeys between Delhi and Haridwar more convenient.
Morning Ganga Bath Could Become Easier
The shorter travel time could make visits to Haridwar easier for people living in Delhi and nearby areas. Tourists and pilgrims may be able to travel early in the morning, take a dip in the Ganga and return the same day with less time spent on the road. The expressway is also expected to support religious tourism and improve access to important destinations. However, actual journey times will depend on traffic conditions, entry points and the route taken.
Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Sets an Example
Gadkari also referred to the improvement in travel between Delhi and Dehradun following the development of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway. According to his remarks, a journey that previously took seven to eight hours can now be completed in around two hours. He also cited the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, which has reduced travel time between the two cities significantly. The proposed travel time for Delhi-Haridwar is expected to bring similar benefits to commuters and visitors.
Char Dham Road Project Nears Completion
Gadkari also shared an update on the Char Dham road project, saying that more than 80% of the work had been completed. The remaining work is expected to be finished by the end of 2026. The project aims to improve road connectivity for pilgrims travelling to Uttarakhand’s major religious destinations. Better access is also expected to support tourism and create direct and indirect employment opportunities for local communities.
Expressway Connects Key Cities and Towns
According to NHAI, the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway begins near Akshardham in Delhi and passes through areas including Baghpat, Baraut, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli and Saharanpur before reaching Dehradun. The project has reportedly been developed at a cost of around ₹12,000 crore. A connecting expressway branches off near Saharanpur towards Haridwar, linking the region with the wider highway network. The new connection is expected to make journeys to Haridwar faster and more convenient once it opens.
