- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Fri, 07 Nov 2025 02:50 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
With the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway expected to become operational by February 2026, Dehradun faces the prospect of severe traffic congestion as vehicles entering the city could increase by up to 25 per cent. Experts say the government’s failure to implement the Doon ring road and upgrade city roads has left the capital ill-prepared for the surge in traffic.
Currently, many of Dehradun’s major junctions and roads are operating far beyond their design capacity, putting immense pressure on the city’s transport infrastructure.
For example:
-Ghantaghar: Designed for 3,600 PCUs, actual traffic 14,282 PCUs
-Prince Chowk: Designed for 2,900 PCUs, actual traffic 17,090 PCUs
-Lalpul: Designed for 2,900 PCUs, actual traffic 16,664 PCUs
Similar overloading is observed at Araghar Chowk, Rispana Pul, Survey Chowk, and other critical points, highlighting the urgent need for traffic management solutions.
Authorities have proposed ambitious projects, such as the Rispana-Bindal Elevated Road and the 12 km elevated corridor from Mohkampur ROB to Asharodi, intended to divert highway traffic away from the city. However, progress remains slow:
-The Mohkampur-Asharodi corridor alignment has been approved, but tendering has not begun. Completion could take over two and a half years.
-The Rispana-Bindal Elevated Road, spanning 26 km at an estimated cost of Rs 5,000 crore, still faces land acquisition hurdles.
Meanwhile, the proposed 51 km outer ring road to separate city and highway traffic remains a distant goal, despite planning efforts since 2010.
The volume of vehicles on city roads is up to six times their capacity, with limited scope for widening. Surveys indicate that 85 per cent of households rely on private vehicles, and most trips are work-related. Experts stress that improving public transport is the only viable long-term solution to curb traffic jams.
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Dehradun’s road network spans 462.95 km, but 43 per cent of roads are less than 12 metres wide, suitable only for small residential constructions. Roads between 12–18 metres account for 46 per cent, while only 10 per cent are above 30 metres.
The Municipal Corporation maintains 363 km of roads, many of which lack footpaths and parking facilities. Another 130 km falls under the PWD, but the width and infrastructure remain insufficient, compounded by encroachment issues.
Officials warn that without urgent intervention and accelerated completion of traffic diversion projects, Dehradun could face gridlocks once the expressway opens, affecting residents and commuters alike.