The NH-07 Paonta Sahib–Ballupur four-lane highway eases Dehradun traffic, reduces travel time to 35 minutes, and strengthens Uttarakhand–Himachal connectivity.
The Paonta Sahib–Dehradun corridor is a vital inter-state route connecting Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, witnessing heavy daily movement of passengers, industrial traffic, commercial vehicles, and tourists. Over the years, rapid urban expansion, ribbon development, limited road width, and rising traffic volumes have resulted in frequent congestion, longer travel times, increased fuel consumption, and road safety challenges, particularly in Dehradun and surrounding industrial and tourism hubs.
Keeping these challenges in view, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) approved the Paonta Sahib–Ballupur Four-Lane National Highway Project on NH-07, aimed at providing a long-term, high-capacity and safe transportation solution.
Project Overview
The project involves the upgradation and four-laning of a 44.800-kilometre stretch of NH-07, extending from Paonta Sahib in Himachal Pradesh to Ballupur Chowk in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. This corridor plays a crucial role not only for daily commuters and industrial logistics but also for tourism, as it improves access to Yamunotri, the first dham of the Char Dham Yatra.
The existing Paonta Sahib–Ballupur road is approximately 52 kilometres long, stretching from Km 97.00 (Paonta Sahib) to Km 148.80 (Ballupur Chowk, Dehradun). Under the new project, around 25 kilometres of Greenfield highway have been developed, bypassing congested urban areas such as Paonta Sahib, Herbertpur, Sahaspur, Selaqui, and Sudhowala.
The Greenfield bypass has reduced the overall route length by nearly 7 kilometres, resulting in substantial savings in travel time and fuel consumption, while offering a safer and smoother driving experience.
The earlier two-lane configuration had become inadequate due to growing traffic and safety limitations. The newly designed four-lane highway ensures higher capacity, improved safety standards, and readiness for future traffic demand.
Integration with Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor
To further address traffic congestion, NHAI is also developing a Greenfield highway integrated with the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor, which is currently at an advanced stage of development.
This integration will provide an alternative route for through-traffic entering Dehradun, significantly reducing congestion within the city and improving overall traffic flow in the capital region.
Project Packages and Cost
The project is being implemented under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) and has been divided into two packages:
Package-I: Paonta Sahib to Mednipur (18.700 km)
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Project cost: ₹553.21 crore
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Includes the construction of a 1,175-metre long four-lane bridge over the Yamuna River, a major engineering achievement of the project.
Package-II: Mednipur to Ballupur, Dehradun (26.100 km)
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Project cost: ₹1,093 crore
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Includes multiple underpasses, service roads, and urban bypass sections to ensure smooth traffic flow in densely populated areas.
The total project cost is ₹1,646.21 crore, inclusive of land acquisition, forest clearances, and utility shifting. The project impacts 25 villages, including 21 in Uttarakhand and 4 in Himachal Pradesh.
Current Status and Traffic Operations
All major bridges, underpasses, and structural works under both packages have been completed. Limited sections involving Reinforced Earth (RE) walls and final pavement works are currently underway and are targeted for completion by February 2026.
Following road safety audits, commercial traffic has been opened on a completed stretch of 31.50 kilometres, providing immediate relief to commuters and freight operators.
Key Engineering and Road Safety Features
The project incorporates modern engineering practices and advanced road safety measures, including:
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1,175-metre four-lane Yamuna River bridge
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105-metre four-lane Asan River bridge
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Thrie-beam crash barriers on high embankments
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Anti-glare screens to reduce headlight glare
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24×7 surveillance through PTZ cameras
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Advanced signage, road markings, and modern lighting systems
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Use of tensor technology to reduce bitumen consumption
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Slope protection measures and extensive plantation for a green and sustainable corridor
Independent safety audits have been conducted, and all recommendations have been duly implemented.
Public Benefits and Future Connectivity
Upon completion, the project will deliver multiple long-term benefits:
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Travel time between Paonta Sahib and Dehradun will reduce from nearly 2 hours to about 35 minutes
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Significant relief from traffic congestion in Dehradun city
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Seamless connectivity with the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor
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Boost to tourism, trade, industry, and employment opportunities
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Reliable, all-weather and safe connectivity for local and inter-state traffic
In the long run, the corridor will also integrate with the proposed Dehradun–Mussoorie connectivity, enabling direct access to Mussoorie and further reducing traffic pressure on urban roads.
The National Highways Authority of India remains committed to developing safe, sustainable, and future-ready national highway infrastructure. The Paonta Sahib–Ballupur Four-Lane National Highway Project stands as a landmark initiative that will significantly enhance regional connectivity, elevate road safety standards, and ensure smooth and efficient mobility for the people.
