The Ghulatis On The Go family recently undertook a journey from Dehradun to Delhi, providing a detailed look at the newly inaugurated Delhi-Dehradun Highway. This drive offers insights into the route's features, including an elevated wildlife corridor and various interchanges, highlighting the reduced travel time between the two cities. The video captures the experience of driving on this modern infrastructure, offering practical observations for future travelers.
The journey commenced from Dehradun at 11:00 A.M. on April 16, 2026, just two days after the highway's inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The family's objective was to assess the actual travel time and the overall driving experience on the new expressway, which promises to significantly cut down the journey duration. They aimed to cover the entire stretch to Delhi, providing a comprehensive report on the highway's operational status and conditions.
Departure from Dehradun and the Elevated Wildlife Corridor
Departing from Dehradun, the Ghulatis On The Go family quickly accessed the new highway. A prominent feature of this route is a 12-kilometer elevated corridor designed to pass over a wildlife area, specifically to protect elephants and other animals from traffic disturbance. This section of the highway is equipped with soundproof barriers on both sides, ensuring minimal noise pollution for the wildlife below. The speed limit on this part of the highway is 100 km/h, with specific limits of 80 km/h for bikes and 60 km/h for auto-rickshaws, indicating that two-wheelers are permitted on this national highway.
The elevated corridor offers a unique driving experience, with lush green trees lining both sides of the road, creating a scenic and tranquil environment. The construction includes robust retaining walls to prevent landslides, ensuring the highway's stability and safety. The family noted the presence of various vehicles, including trucks and buses, indicating that the highway was already seeing considerable traffic despite its recent opening. The thoughtful design of the wildlife corridor reflects a commitment to environmental preservation alongside infrastructure development.
Tunnels and Interchanges Along the Route
A significant engineering marvel on the highway is the Daat Kali Tunnel, which is fully completed and features two lanes for traffic. The tunnel's entrance is adorned with vibrant paintings depicting local wildlife and landscapes, adding an aesthetic touch to the functional structure. The family observed that while the tunnel itself is well-lit, some interior sections still require additional finishing work. Beyond the tunnel, the elevated wildlife corridor continues, further emphasizing the highway's innovative design.
The journey included passing several key interchanges. The first notable exit was for Biharigarh, followed by another for Deoband. The highway also features an interchange for Bagpat, which is 14 kilometers away, and Meerut, 64 kilometers distant. These exits provide connectivity to various towns and cities, enhancing the highway's utility for regional travel. The family noted that while some toll plazas were not yet operational, others were, with a toll of Rs. 85 observed at one point. The presence of multiple rest plazas under construction along the route suggests future amenities for travelers.
Driving Conditions and Travel Time to Delhi
The driving conditions on the new highway were generally smooth, although the family noted some initial bumpy stretches. However, after passing the initial sections, the road became consistently smooth, allowing for a comfortable drive at the posted speed limit of 100 km/h. The highway features clear lane markings and proper dividers, contributing to a safe driving experience. The family emphasized the importance of adhering to speed limits, especially given the varying conditions and the presence of speed cameras.
The total travel time from Dehradun to Delhi (Eastern Peripheral) was recorded as 2 hours and 15 minutes, significantly less than the previous travel times. This achievement aligns with the government's claim of a reduced journey duration. The family started their trip at 11:00 A.M. and arrived in Delhi at 1:15 P.M., demonstrating the efficiency of the new highway. This reduced travel time is expected to boost tourism and economic activity between Delhi and Dehradun.
Practical Takeaways for Travelers
- Reduced Travel Time: The new Delhi-Dehradun Highway significantly cuts down travel time, making the journey more efficient.
- Wildlife Corridor: The elevated wildlife corridor is a unique feature, offering a smooth drive while protecting local fauna.
- Speed Limits: Adhere strictly to the posted speed limits (100 km/h for cars, 80 km/h for bikes, 60 km/h for auto-rickshaws) as speed cameras are present.
- Toll Plazas: Be prepared for varying operational statuses of toll plazas; some may be active while others are not yet charging.
- Amenities: While rest plazas are under construction, plan for stops as full amenities may not be available immediately.
- Road Conditions: Expect generally smooth driving conditions, though some initial stretches might be uneven.
- Connectivity: The highway provides excellent connectivity with various exits to towns like Biharigarh, Deoband, Bagpat, and Meerut.
Watch the Original Journey
This article is connected to the original Ghulatis On The Go video below. Watch it for the complete visual experience and conversations from the road.