The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is examining a proposed Greenfield bypass to link Dehradun with Mussoorie as part of measures to ease mounting traffic congestion in the hill town. Officials say the project remains at the planning stage while a Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared to assess feasibility, alignment and cost. The project director has engaged the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee and the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology to provide technical and advisory inputs and consultations with those institutions are under way. Their recommendations will be considered during preparation of the DPR. The tentative cost of the proposed corridor is around Rs 40 billion (bn), an initial estimate that will be revised after the DPR is finalised. The authority has indicated that final alignment and budgetary allocations will be determined only after completion and approval of detailed studies. At present the proposal remains under consideration and no final decision has been taken on construction or route selection. The estimate has been described as provisional pending more detailed surveys and assessments. The bypass is being considered principally to address growing traffic pressure in Mussoorie, where a large volume of outside traffic contributes to congestion and environmental pollution. The intended route is meant to provide an alternative and more direct connection for traffic travelling towards Mussoorie, which could reduce pressure on the existing road network and improve traffic flow. Project planning is reported to take account of terrain, environmental sensitivity and local access requirements. Stakeholders are being consulted to balance mobility needs with conservation concerns. A clearer picture of the project, including alignment, cost and implementation plan, is expected to emerge after the DPR is completed and approved by authorities. Technical inputs from the institutes engaged will inform recommendations and the authority will incorporate those findings into the final proposal. Timelines for construction will depend on approvals, clearances and funding decisions that follow the study. In the near term the initiative remains at the feasibility and planning stage.