By Kavita Mistry 
Mussoorie, the beloved “Queen of the Hills,” is set to become far more accessible from Delhi, thanks to a massive infrastructure project underway on the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway. A new 26-kilometer elevated road will link the route directly to Mussoorie, easing traffic congestion in Dehradun and reducing travel time for tourists to just four hours.
Over 2,600 Homes To Be Demolished
While the project promises smooth and faster travel, it comes at a significant cost. The Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) confirmed that 2,614 homes located along the Rispana and Bindal rivers will be demolished for land acquisition. These homes span across 26 localities, making this one of the region’s most expansive displacement efforts in recent years.
Compensation: Uncertainty Looms
The project, valued at ₹6,100 crore, includes a plan for compensating displaced residents. However, no concrete land-for-land compensation policy has been outlined by the Uttarakhand state government. According to officials, affected families will most likely receive monetary compensation only, since no inspected or approved land bank currently exists for rehabilitation purposes.
A proper rehabilitation policy is generally required to provide resettlement land, but government sources reveal that such a policy has yet to be drafted or implemented.
Ground Impact: Survey and Markings Begin
Authorities have already begun marking the affected homes with red signs, and a social impact survey is expected to be completed within 15 days. However, the lack of clarity on alternative land provisions continues to raise concerns about how fairly displaced residents will be treated.
Faster Tourism, But Fairness At Stake
While the elevated road could boost tourism and significantly improve regional connectivity, the displacement of thousands without assured resettlement support poses serious ethical and social concerns. Affected families await clear answers and fair treatment as the project moves forward.
The development marks a pivotal moment for Uttarakhand’s infrastructure but underscores the need for balanced growth—where development doesn’t come at the expense of citizens’ rights and homes.