Decongestion measures of Mohakampur-Jogiwala-Vidhansabha-Rispana stretch on NH-07 with Elevated road from Chanchal Dairy to Shastri Nagar.

Location

The NH-72 (New NH-07) corridor serves as a major urban and interstate link connecting ISBT, Haridwar Road, Clock Tower, and surrounding residential and commercial areas in Dehradun City.

Background and Problem Statement

Dehradun has experienced rapid urban expansion and a substantial increase in vehicular traffic over the past decade. The NH-72 (New NH-07) corridor serves as a major urban and interstate link connecting ISBT, Haridwar Road, Clock Tower, and surrounding residential and commercial areas. Due to dense development, limited right of way, roadside activities, and mixed traffic movement, the corridor is currently operating beyond its designed capacity. This has resulted in severe congestion, increased travel time, higher accident risks, and environmental concerns caused by prolonged idling and stop-go traffic.

Existing Traffic Scenario As per the traffic studies conducted during preliminary assessment, the corridor carries an Average Daily Traffic (ADT) of approximately 30,757 PCU (Passenger Car Units) per day. During peak hours, traffic volume exceeds the at-grade capacity, particularly at Rispana Junction and Shastri Nagar Chowk. The traffic composition includes:

Two-wheelers (major share)
Cars and light motor vehicles
Auto-rickshaws and Vikrams
Buses (city and interstate)
Light and medium commercial vehicles Heavy directional flows from ISBT–Haridwar and Clock Tower–Haridwar movements create significant merging and crossing conflicts. Peak-hour congestion leads to long queues, spillbacks, and reduced average travel speeds. The existing Level of Service (LOS) during peak hours is poor, with frequent delays and high vehicle operating costs.

Existing Road Conditions and Bottlenecks The current at-grade corridor passes through densely built-up areas including Vidhansabha Colony, Pragati Vihar, Rispana Pull, Shastri Nagar, and Shastri Enclave. Major bottlenecks include:

Rispana Pull – Restricted carriageway width and river crossing constraints
Vidhansabha Chowk – High turning movements and signal delays
Vikram & Jeep Parking Zones – Roadside encroachment and frequent stopping
Shastri Nagar Chowk – Multiple intersecting traffic streams Frequent intersections, roadside commercial activity, pedestrian crossings, and mixed traffic conditions result in high conflict points and safety concerns.

Project Concept and Need

Project Alignment Description The proposed elevated road begins at Chanchal Dairy (Km 0.000) and extends eastward up to Shastri Nagar Chowk (Km 0.950 to Km 1.300). The alignment follows the existing NH geometry to minimize land acquisition and utility shifting.

Vidhansabha Chowk is one of the prominent and heavily trafficked junctions in Dehradun, serving as a key node on NH-72 (New NH-07) and connecting major residential, commercial, and institutional areas. Due to increasing vehicular growth and urban expansion, the junction frequently experiences congestion, particularly during peak hours. To address these issues and improve traffic management, construction of a rotary (roundabout) at Vidhansabha Chowk has been proposed.

Key Components and Features

The project proposes construction of a multi-span 4-lane elevated structure to provide grade separation for uninterrupted through traffic. The elevated corridor will segregate highway traffic from local traffic operating at ground level. The construction of the rotary at Vidhansabha Chowk is expected to reduce congestion by enabling smoother and continuous traffic movement from all directions. It will minimize conflict points, thereby lower accident risks and improving road safety. Reduced vehicle stoppage and idling will help decrease fuel consumption and vehicular emissions. Overall, the rotary will enhance the Level of Service at the intersection and improve traffic efficiency.

Comparative Scenario: Existing vs Proposed Under existing conditions, traffic moves through multiple at-grade intersections with high conflict points, mixed traffic flow, and pedestrian interference. Travel time is unpredictable due to frequent signal stops and congestion. Fuel consumption and vehicular emissions are high due to prolonged idling. Under the proposed scenario, through traffic will move on a continuous elevated alignment without signal interruptions. Junction load will reduce significantly, travel time reliability will improve, corridor capacity will increase, and Level of Service will improve during peak hours. Conflict points will be minimized, resulting in enhanced road safety. Reduced stop-go movement will also lower fuel consumption and vehicular emissions.

Expected Benefits and Outcomes

With an existing traffic volume of over 30,757 PCU per day and increasing growth trends, the elevated corridor will significantly decongest the NH-72 stretch. The project will reduce travel time, improve fuel efficiency, enhance road safety, and reduce environmental pollution. It will benefit daily commuters, interstate highway users, nearby residents, and commercial establishments along the corridor.

Current Status

Preliminary feasibility studies have been completed, and preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), including traffic analysis, structural design, cost estimation, and utility mapping, is in progress. Land assessment and coordination for shifting utilities are underway. Implementation will proceed after administrative approval and funding sanction.

Conclusion

Considering the high traffic volume of approximately 30,757 PCU per day and recurring congestion at key junctions, construction of the elevated road from Chanchal Dairy to Shastri Nagar is a necessary and strategic intervention. The project will substantially improve corridor efficiency, safety, environmental sustainability, and support Dehradun’s growing transportation demands in the long term.

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