The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has started the land acquisition process for a proposed 13-kilometre elevated highway between Ajabpur and Mianwala in Dehradun. The project is part of the Asharodi-Mianwala plan and is expected to cost about ₹2,000 crore.

The elevated route is designed to carry traffic above the congested sections of the city. Vehicles travelling from Saharanpur and Haridwar would be able to bypass busy urban stretches and continue towards their destinations without using the most crowded parts of Dehradun.

The Respana-Jogiwala section of the Haridwar Highway is regarded as one of the city’s biggest traffic bottlenecks. Congestion regularly extends towards Mianwala, creating delays for residents and commuters from morning until late at night.

Route planned above existing road and railway corridor

Under the revised plan, the elevated highway will run above the existing road up to Ajabpur. From there, it will continue for about 4 kilometres alongside the railway line through Mohkampur before reaching Mianwala.

A flyover between Jogiwala and Respana had previously been considered. That proposal did not move forward because of limited space in the area. The elevated design has been developed to address the same traffic pressure while using the available corridor above the existing route.

The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway currently ends at Asharodi. Although the road beyond Asharodi has 4 lanes, dense settlement and several intersections slow traffic considerably. The highway traffic coming from Saharanpur and Haridwar faces its most severe delays between Respana and Jogiwala.

NHAI project director Saurabh Singh said land acquisition proceedings had begun in Dehradun for the new elevated highway from Asharodi to Mianwala. He said the project would involve an estimated expenditure of about ₹2,000 crore and that its detailed project report had been sent to the central government.

Land acquisition across several Dehradun areas

Land is expected to be acquired in several areas for the project, including Dehrakhas, Sevla Khurd, Badripur, Brahmanwala, Majra, Majri Mafi, Mobbewala, Mohkampur Khurd, Shahnagar, Kargi Grant, Ajabpur Kalan, Ajabpur Khurd, Chak Ajabpur Khurd, Chak Shahnagar and Taluk Dehradun.

According to NHAI officials, construction will begin after compensation proceedings for landowners are completed. The acquisition process therefore remains an important step before work on the elevated structure can start.

Widening has not resolved the traffic pressure

The Respana-Jogiwala stretch was widened about 3 years ago, but the additional capacity has not been enough to handle the increasing volume of vehicles. Queues continue to form through much of the day, affecting regular travel across the city.

The proposed elevated highway is intended to separate through traffic from local urban movement. Its planned connection to Mianwala would give traffic travelling towards Haridwar and Saharanpur an alternative route through the congested corridor.

Other highway works face delays

Construction of a flyover at Chhiddarwala on the Dehradun-Haridwar National Highway has currently been stopped following objections from local residents. Villagers have raised concerns about the proposed location and the underpass.

Traffic at the site is currently being managed through the service road. Saurabh Singh said the traffic lights at Chhiddarwala crossing would be repaired and highway traffic would resume there in one–2 days.

Construction at Chhiddarwala is expected to restart after discussions with residents and the resolution of their objections. At Raiwala, construction of a proposed 550-metre flyover on the Dehradun-Haridwar National Highway is scheduled to begin after Kumbh.

Conclusion

The Ajabpur-Mianwala elevated highway remains at the land acquisition and approval stage. Its planned 13-kilometre route is intended to ease the Respana-Jogiwala bottleneck and allow through traffic to bypass Dehradun’s congested urban sections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the planned elevated highway route?

The elevated highway is planned between Ajabpur and Mianwala in Dehradun under the Asharodi-Mianwala project.

Q. How long will the elevated highway be?

The planned elevated highway will be 13 kilometres long.

Q. What is the estimated project cost?

The project is expected to cost about ₹2,000 crore.

Q. Why is the elevated highway being planned?

It is intended to reduce congestion between Respana, Jogiwala and Mianwala and divert through traffic from busy city sections.

Q. What stage has the project reached?

Land acquisition has started, and the detailed project report has been sent to the central government.

Q. Which areas are linked to the land acquisition process?

The listed areas include Ajabpur Kalan, Ajabpur Khurd, Mohkampur Khurd, Kargi Grant, Majra, Badripur and several other parts of Dehradun.

Q. What is happening with the Chhiddarwala flyover?

Construction has been stopped temporarily after local objections about its location and underpass. Discussions are planned before work resumes.