Dehradun: As the fastest connecting road between the national capital Delhi and Dehradun, the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway’s elevated wildlife corridor is in the final stages of construction, there are possibilities that PM Modi will dedicate this important part of the expressway to the public when he will be in Dehradun to inaugurate the upcoming National Games on January 28.
This significant development project is set to be dedicated to the public, marking the beginning of an adventurous journey on the 12 km long elevated route.
Asia’s longest wildlife corridor
The elevated road, which is part of the final and most crucial phase of the corridor connecting Akshardham in Delhi to Dehradun, stretches from Ganeshpur in Saharanpur to Asharodi in Dehradun. Constructed on 575 pillars, it stands as Asia’s longest wildlife corridor, designed to balance high-speed vehicular movement with the preservation of local wildlife habitats.
Advanced Traffic Management System
One of the key features of this elevated road is the ability for vehicles to travel at speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour, while wildlife can roam freely beneath. This unique design allows for the coexistence of fast-moving traffic above and undisturbed wildlife below. The completion of the road also includes the installation of cameras and an incident detection system as part of the Advanced Traffic Management System, which is now in its final stages.
Successful trial run involving various types of vehicles was conducted
Painting and other finishing touches have been completed, and a successful trial run involving various types of vehicles was conducted in late October. Although there has been no official announcement, it is anticipated that the elevated road will be inaugurated on January 28. Pankaj Maurya, Project Manager, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), informed, “There is no official confirmation about this till yet. However, there are possibilities that the inauguration takes place at the end of this month.”
Significant relief from traffic congestion
For commuters, the opening of this elevated road promises significant relief from traffic congestion. The typically one-hour journey from Ganeshpur to Asharodi can now be completed in just 15 minutes. This improvement is expected to greatly enhance travel efficiency and reduce commute times.
800 non-scattering lights will be installed on the elevated road
To ensure the safety and convenience of drivers, 800 non-scattering lights will be installed on the elevated road. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) collaborated with the Wildlife Institute of India to design these lights. Over three months, scientists tested various lights and studied their impact on wildlife. The specially designed lights will focus only on the flyover, preventing light pollution in the forest below, allowing nocturnal animals and other wildlife to move around freely. Additionally, sound barriers have been installed to protect wildlife from the noise generated by vehicles.
