Delhi-Dehradun Expressway update: HC verdict on Mandola house dispute expected on April 29

Delhi-Dehradun Expressway update: The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway is a big project meant to reduce travel time between Delhi and Uttarakhand. It is almost done but is delayed because of a long-standing land dispute in Mandola village, Ghaziabad. The issue started in 1998 when Veersen Saroha challenged the Uttar Pradesh Housing Board's decision to take his 1,600-square-metre land for the Mandola Housing Scheme. Most landowners accepted compensation, but Veersen and his family refused.

This led to a long court battle. After Veersen passed away, his grandson, Lakshyaveer, took the case to the Supreme Court in 2024. He is challenging the transfer of the land to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for the expressway.

The case is now in the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, which will give its decision on April 29, 2025. This could remove the last legal barrier and allow the 14.7 km Akshardham to UP border and 16 km Loni to Khekra sections of the expressway to open.

Delhi-Dehradun Expressway: HC verdict on April 29, 2025 (Expected)

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court is now expected to deliver its verdict on April 29, 2025. The outcome will be important in resolving the dispute and for the opening of two key sections of the expressway. These sections include the 14.7 km stretch from Akshardham to the UP border and the 16 km stretch from Loni (Ghaziabad) to Khekra (Baghpat) on the Eastern Peripheral Expressway.

The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway project is being closely monitored by the Prime Minister¡¯s Office (PMO) and the Union Ministry. With 98% of the work already finished, the final legal decision is important for opening these sections on time. Once opened, they are expected to greatly reduce travel time for commuters.

Delhi-Dehradun Expressway: Farmers protest vs HC decision

Farmers in Mandola are still protesting the land acquisition. They are demanding higher compensation for the land they gave up in 1998. On April 25, a group of farmers locked the gates of the UP Housing Board¡¯s office in Ghaziabad. They cited delays in resolving their compensation issues. But, a Housing Board official says the land was acquired through due process. (as per TOI)

Delhi-Dehradun Expressway: Court proceedings and expectations

On April 16, 2025, the Allahabad High Court heard the case and gave the NHAI and UP Housing Board three days to file counter affidavits. The court stressed the urgency of resolving the issue due to the expressway¡¯s importance. (as per TOI)

The verdict is expected on April 29, which could allow for a partial opening. The project is being monitored by the Prime Minister¡¯s Office and the Union Ministry. It is highly expected that the expressway will open soon for faster travel between Delhi and Dehradun.

FAQs

1. What is the Mandola house dispute delaying the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway?

Answer: A legal fight over a two-storey house on a 1,600 square metre land in Mandola village near Ghaziabad is holding up the expressway¡¯s full opening. The house belonged to Veersen Saroha¡¯s family, who have refused to give up the land since 1998.

2. Why is this house important for the Delhi-Dehradun expressway project?

Answer: The house stands in the middle of the expressway route, blocking completion of a key ramp section. The NHAI needs this land to finish the expressway fully.

3. What is the current status of the Delhi-Dehradun legal case?

Answer: The case was moved to the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court after the Supreme Court directed it there. The court is expected to give its verdict on April 29, 2025, which could clear the way for the expressway¡¯s opening.

4. Is the Delhi-Dehradun expressway already operational despite the dispute?

Answer: Yes, the main expressway is open and traffic flows smoothly. Only a 90-meter stretch of a service road near the disputed land is affected. A temporary bypass has been arranged to avoid disruption.

5. What compensation issues are involved in the Delhi-Dehradun expressway dispute?

Answer: The dispute began when the UP Housing Board tried to acquire the land in 1998 for a housing scheme, offering Rs 1,100 per square metre. Most landowners accepted, but Veersen¡¯s family disagreed and challenged the acquisition in court.

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