How is one house delaying the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway opening? Legal battle explained

Delhi-Dehradun Expressway: The much-awaited Delhi-Dehradun Expressway is facing an unexpected delay due to a decades-old land dispute in Mandola. A lone house, once owned by the late Veersen Saroha, stands in the middle of the expressway’s route. While most landowners gave up their plots, Saroha refused, leading to a legal battle that continues today.

His grandson has now taken the fight to the Supreme Court, arguing that the land transfer was unlawful. With the final stretch of the expressway incomplete, the case’s outcome, set for hearing on April 16. This verdict will determine when the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway project can finally be completed.

The ongoing disagreement might cause more delays in finishing the Delhi-Dehradun expressway. If the issues are not solved, construction work could stop or slow down. This can lead to missed deadlines and a longer time to complete the project.

The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway’s construction is nearing completion, but a 1,600 sq. m. land dispute in Mandola is delaying its launch. Authorities are working on a resolution to avoid further setbacks to this crucial infrastructure project. ????? @NHAI_Official @MORTHIndia pic.twitter.com/TXM1Ykoatd

— Jaydev Rana (@JaydevR4) April 3, 2025

Delhi-Dehradun Expressway vs lone-house dispute

The dispute goes back to 1998, when the UP Housing Board attempted to acquire 2,614 acres of land across six villages for the Mandola Housing Scheme. While many landowners agreed to the acquisition, Veersen Saroha refused, challenging the decision in the Allahabad High Court. The court put a stay on acquiring his 1,600-square-metre plot, preventing any further action.

Years later, the housing scheme never materialised, but the NHAI took over the land in 2020 to construct the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway. But, the Saroha family never agreed to this transfer, leading to the current legal dispute.

Why is this Delhi-Dehradun Expressway delay a big concern?

The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway is a prominent project meant to improve connectivity between Delhi and Uttarakhand. The Expressway includes a 20-km elevated section, which plans to reduce the Delhi-Baghpat commute to under 30 minutes. But, with the Saroha house still standing, the project remains incomplete.

Delhi-Dehradun Expressway: Legal battle & supreme court involvement

Even after Veersen Saroha’s passing, his grandson, Lakshyaveer, continued the fight. In 2024, he approached the Supreme Court, arguing that the UP Housing Board never had the right to transfer the land to NHAI.

The Supreme Court has now forwarded the case to the Lucknow Bench of the High Court, which will hear the matter on April 16, 2024. The court has also directed a quick resolution, as the delay is affecting a major infrastructure project.

When will the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway open?

For now, the opening of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway remains uncertain. Everything depends on the court’s verdict on April 16, 2025. If the court rules in favour of the government, construction can resume, and the Expressway may open soon. However, if the Saroha family wins, it could lead to further delays and modifications to the expressway route.

The delay caused by one house highlights the complexity of land disputes in major development projects. The April 16 court decision will determine whether the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway can finally be completed or if this dispute will drag on even longer.

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