Construction of 4-Laning of Rishikesh Bypass from Design Chainage 529+750 (Near Teenpani Flyover of NH-07) to Design Chainage 542+420 (Near Khaarasrot Bridge), passing through Bhattowala and Dhalwala villages in the State of Uttarakhand.
Location
The proposed project involves the 4-laning of the Rishikesh Bypass on National Highway-07, extending from Design Chainage 529+750 near the Teenpani Flyover to Design Chainage 542+420 near the Khaarasrot Bridge, passing through Bhattowala and Dhalwala villages in the State of Uttarakhand. The project corridor is located in Dehradun district and functions as a critical arterial route for diverting through traffic away from the congested urban areas of Rishikesh while providing connectivity between Haridwar, Dehradun, and the Char Dham corridor.
Background and Problem Statement
At present, the existing bypass is largely a two-lane road and is inadequate to cater to the increasing traffic demand arising from rapid urbanization, tourism, pilgrimage movement, and inter-state commercial transport. The corridor experiences frequent congestion, delays, and safety issues due to limited carriageway width, mixed traffic conditions, and inadequate junction design. During peak tourist and pilgrimage seasons, traffic movement becomes particularly constrained, adversely affecting travel time reliability and road safety.
Project Concept and Need
Project proposes the upgradation of the existing bypass to a 4-lane divided carriageway in order to enhance traffic capacity, improve safety, and ensure efficient movement of vehicles. The proposed improvement will allow seamless diversion of through traffic away from Rishikesh town, reduce congestion on urban roads, and accommodate projected future traffic growth. The project also aligns with national objectives of strengthening highway infrastructure and improving connectivity in key tourism and pilgrimage regions.
Key Components and Features
The proposed project has a design length of 12.670 km with an estimated project cost of ₹1,141.61 crore. The scope includes the development of an elevated corridor of 4.876 km to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow and minimize land acquisition and environmental impacts. The project also provides for the construction of three Elephant Underpass-cum-Major Bridges, with a combined length of 3.44 km, aimed at maintaining wildlife connectivity while accommodating major drainage requirements. In addition, the proposal includes the construction of one Road Over Bridge (ROB) of 318.018 m length and one vehicular overpass of 20 m length to improve grade-separated movement at critical intersections. The project further incorporates one roundabout interchange and one roundabout junction to facilitate smooth and safe traffic circulation and improve overall operational efficiency of the corridor.
Beneficiaries and Coverage
The project will benefit a wide range of users including local residents, tourists, pilgrims, commercial transport operators, and emergency service providers. Improved connectivity will facilitate smoother movement of goods and passengers, support tourism-driven economic growth, and enhance access to education, healthcare, and markets for the local population.
Expected Benefits and Outcomes
Upon completion, the project will benefit local residents of Rishikesh and surrounding villages, daily commuters, tourists, pilgrims, and commercial transport operators. The improved bypass will facilitate smoother traffic flow, reduce travel time and vehicle operating costs, enhance road safety, and contribute to reduced congestion and emissions within the urban area. The project will also support regional economic development and improve overall level of service on NH-07
Current Status of the Project
The DPR for the project has been prepared at an estimated cost of ₹1,141.61 crore and was sanctioned on 01.08.2025. Land acquisition and forest clearance processes are currently in progress. Against the requirement of 46.2804 ha of forest land, 47 ha of Compensatory Afforestation (CA) land has been identified in Panjia and Rajanu villages. A committee for wildlife clearance has been constituted under the chairmanship of the Director, Rajaji Tiger Reserve, Dehradun, along with the DFO, Dehradun, on 08.01.2026. Overall, the forest and wildlife clearance processes are under active progress.
Conclusion
The proposed Srinagar–Srikot bypass on NH-07 is essential to decongest urban areas, improve road safety, and minimize resettlement and rehabilitation impacts. The project will ensure reliable all-weather connectivity to major pilgrimage destinations and strategically important border areas, while significantly reducing travel time and vehicle operating costs.
