Dehradun witnessed widespread traffic disruptions and hurried construction work on Wednesday as the city prepared for President Droupadi Murmu’s two-day visit starting June 20. The visit, which includes the inauguration of Rashtrapati Niketan and surrounding public facilities, has triggered diversions and congestion across key roads, especially near the Mussoorie Diversion and Rajpur Road.

According to a city-wide traffic advisory issued by Dehradun Police, multiple diversions will remain in effect through Saturday. Vehicles from Mussoorie heading towards Haridwar or Rishikesh between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Thursday will be rerouted via Old Mussoorie Road and adjoining link routes. From Friday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., vehicles bound for Mussoorie from EC Road will face diversions via Sahastradhara Crossing, reported TOI.

SP Traffic Lokjeet Singh said personnel have been deployed to manage flow and ensure compliance. Still, many residents reported long delays and confusion on alternate routes.

Rajpur Road, which leads to the Presidential Retreat estate, is at the center of the city’s current construction surge. Workers have been rushing to complete last-minute beautification ahead of the President’s planned inauguration of parts of the estate, including a public park set to open June 24. Residents say the pace has raised safety and environmental concerns.

“Work on Rajpur Road is happening without barricades or basic precautions. Labourers are working next to moving traffic,” said a local commuter. Anthropologist Lokesh Ohri flagged the cutting of trees and narrowing of roads as alarming for both ecological balance and traffic flow.

An incomplete foot overbridge intended to connect the estate to a parking lot continues to cause dust pollution. “Ironically, green screens were installed only a day before the President’s visit, though there were none during the entire project,” a resident noted, questioning the timing and planning of the entire project.

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