Two-Lane Widening from Chainage 133.150 to Chainage 173.600 (Fediz to Sanail) on NH-707 (Old NH-72B) in the States of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
Location
The project stretch covers Chainage 133.150 to Chainage 173.600 of NH-707 (Old NH-72B) with a total length of 40.45 Km. The alignment passes through Dehradun and Uttarkashi districts of Uttarakhand and a small portion (Km 165.200 to Km 168.200, Saran to Pandranu) falling in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh.
Background and Problem Statement
The existing road is narrow and predominantly single/intermediate lane in hilly terrain with substandard geometrics and inadequate shoulders. The stretch faces congestion, poor riding quality, and safety concerns due to sharp curves and restricted sight distance. The area is vulnerable to landslides and drainage-related damage.
Project Concept and Need
The project envisages widening the existing carriageway to Two-Lane with Paved Shoulder configuration to improve safety, enhance capacity, and provide better riding quality. The upgradation is essential to strengthen interstate connectivity between Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, ensure reliable all-weather access in hilly terrain, and promote balanced regional development.
Key Components and Features
The project is divided into the following packages:
- NH-707 Package-I – Km 133.150 to Km 153.000– ₹ 627.19 Crore
- NH-707 Package-II – Km 153.000 to Km 173.600– ₹ 404.21 Crore The total project length is 40.45 Km (Km 133.150 to Km 173.600).
The scope of work includes widening of the existing carriageway to Two-Lane with Paved Shoulder configuration, geometric improvements including curve correction, pavement strengthening and reconstruction, slope stabilization measures, construction of retaining and breast walls in vulnerable hill sections, improvement and reconstruction of cross drainage works, and installation of road safety features such as crash barriers, signage, and road marking.
Beneficiaries and Coverage
The project will benefit residents of Dehradun, Uttarkashi, and Shimla districts, interstate commuters, tourism-related traffic, local traders, and emergency response services. The total coverage is 40.45 Km of NH-707.
Expected Benefits and Outcomes
The widening is expected to improve road safety, reduce travel time, enhance traffic flow, and ensure all-weather connectivity. It will strengthen interstate transport infrastructure, improve resilience against hill road failures, and contribute to socio-economic development of adjoining regions.
Current Status of Work
The DPR for NH-707 (Km 133.150 to Km 173.600) has been submitted and is under revision based on scrutiny observations. Forest Clearance proceedings are in progress. Land Acquisition under the NH Act is underway. Overall, the project is at the stage of DPR finalization and statutory clearances, and further progress is dependent on timely completion of Forest and Land Acquisition processes.
Conclusion
The widening of NH-707 from Fediz to Sanail is a strategically important interstate connectivity project aimed at improving safety, capacity, and durability of the highway network in hilly terrain. While DPR and statutory processes are underway, timely inter-state coordination particularly with Himachal Pradesh authorities is essential to facilitate early commencement of execution works and achieve the intended developmental outcomes.
Figure: Location Map
