Four/Six Laning of Bhaniyawala–Jollygrant–Rishikesh.
Location
The project is located in Dehradun District, Uttarakhand. It stretches from Design Chainage 0+000 at Village Bhaniyawala to Km 19.780 at Rishikesh, forming an important corridor connecting Dehradun, Jolly Grant Airport, and Rishikesh on NH-07.
Background and Problem Statement
The Bhaniyawala–Rishikesh section of NH-07 is a crucial connectivity link between Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Jolly Grant Airport, and also serves as an important route for Char Dham pilgrims and tourists. The existing highway was inadequate in terms of capacity, geometric standards, and safety features, particularly in the forest stretches where sharp curves and wildlife movement posed safety concerns.
Project Concept and Need
The project envisages the upgradation and four/six-laning of the existing highway to enhance traffic carrying capacity, improve safety standards, and provide better riding quality.
The need for the project arises from:
- Increasing traffic volume between Dehradun and Rishikesh.
- Strategic importance of connectivity to Jolly Grant Airport.
- Heavy tourist and pilgrimage traffic towards Char Dham.
- Safety concerns due to deficient curves and wildlife crossings in the forest stretch.
The project is designed to provide a safer, faster, and environmentally sensitive highway corridor.
Key Components and Features
The project covers a total length of 19.780 km with an approved capital cost of Rs. 742.43 crore. Major components include:
- Upgradation and four/six-laning of the existing highway.
- 01 Major Bridge.
- 01 Minor Bridge.
- 76 Culverts (Pipe/Slab).
- 04 Elephant Underpasses to facilitate safe wildlife movement and reduce human–animal conflict.
The design also includes geometric improvements, especially removal of deficient curves in the forest section to enhance safety and traffic flow.
Expected Benefits and Outcomes
Upon completion, the project is expected to:
- Provide improved connectivity between Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Jolly Grant Airport.
- Enhance access for tourists and pilgrims travelling to Char Dham.
- Reduce travel time and ensure smoother and safer movement.
- Improve riding quality and road safety standards.
- Mitigate human–wildlife conflict through dedicated elephant underpasses.
- Support regional economic growth and tourism development.
Current Status of the Project
- Concession Agreement signed on: 01.12.2023.
- Partially Appointed Date (PAD) issued on: 01.12.2025 for commencement of construction work on 10 km length falling in non-forest land.
- Construction work is progressing on the non-forest stretch.
- The remaining length shall be handed over to the Concessionaire after completion of cutting/transplantation of trees affected on forest land and extension of working permission.
Conclusion
The Bhaniyawala–Jollygrant–Rishikesh Four/Six Laning Project is a strategically significant infrastructure initiative aimed at strengthening connectivity between Dehradun and Rishikesh while ensuring safe access to Jolly Grant Airport and Char Dham routes. With the resolution of the legal stay, early clearance for tree cutting and extension of forest working permission will enable full-scale construction, ensuring timely completion and long-term socio-economic and environmental benefits for the region.
