Construction work on a 12-kilometre bypass around Dehradun is progressing rapidly, with the National Highways Authority of India reporting that nearly 44 per cent of the ₹716 crore project has already been completed.

The four-lane access-controlled greenfield highway, scheduled for completion by April 2027, aims to reduce traffic congestion and strengthen regional connectivity in Uttarakhand's capital.

The bypass connects Jhajhra to the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor near the Asharori check post, linking with the Paonta Saheb-Ballupur section of NH-7.

Officials said the strategically designed route will function as an alternate south-western corridor, diverting heavy vehicles and transit traffic away from Dehradun's urban core towards the Selaqui industrial area, Vikasnagar and Herbertpur in Uttarakhand, as well as Paonta Sahib in Himachal Pradesh.

Environmental considerations have been integrated into the project's design, with the highway's right of way optimised to 30 metres - half the conventional width - to preserve forest trees.

Authorities incorporated wildlife protection measures including a 350-metre-long vehicular overpass for large animals and a dedicated cattle overpass.

Additionally, seven minor bridges, 21 box culverts and five Hume pipe culverts are being constructed to support the movement of both large and small fauna.

The bypass features regulated speed limits, with a design speed of 100 kilometres per hour on most stretches, while certain sections passing through forest areas will be limited to 80 kilometres per hour to minimise environmental impact.