- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Sun, 02 Nov 2025 05:03 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
Even as the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) moves swiftly on the relocation of Aadhat Bazaar, one of the city’s most congested stretches, progress on the corresponding road widening work appears to lag on the Public Works Department (PWD)’s end.
The MDDA will begin registration of shops for relocation from November 3, followed by the process of vacating buildings to clear the Saharanpur Chowk–Tehsil Chowk stretch for widening. However, the PWD is still awaiting government approval of the revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) before it can begin ground work.
The 1.55 km widening project, initially estimated at Rs 24 crore and prepared earlier this year, underwent revisions, including the removal of several provisions, bringing the cost down to Rs 16 crore. The amended DPR was submitted to the government in September.
PWD officials stated that tenders will be floated immediately after approval is received. In the meantime, land transfer procedures have begun, and an Assistant Engineer has been tasked with completing shop registration in coordination with the MDDA on November 3.
Currently, the road varies from 10 to 18 metres in width. Under the new plan, the entire stretch will be expanded uniformly to 24 metres. The median will also be reduced to standard size, as earlier provisions for metro rail pillars have been dropped with the Metro project now on hold.
A total of 430 landowners and tenants between Aadhat Bazaar on Gandhi Road and Tehsil Chowk have been identified as affected by the widening and relocation exercise. The majority have opted for compensation, alternative plots, or both.
In over 30 properties with ownership disputes, compensation amounts will be deposited in court to avoid delays in the relocation timeline. Officials stated that while 80 affected parties had not opted for any compensation choice earlier, many are now coming forward as relocation gathers pace.