India, Dec. 2 -- The first phase of the much-awaited Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, connecting Delhi's Akshardham with the Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE) near Baghpat, has been opened for trials for the general public, the Union ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) announced on Monday.

The 32km-long initial stretch begins at Akshardham Temple, passes through Geeta Colony, Shastri Park, and Mandola Vihar in Ghaziabad, before reaching Khekra in Baghpat.

An NHAI official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that commuters will not be charged tolls for using the stretch for the one-month trial period.

The 210km Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, being constructed at a cost of Rs.11,868.6 crore, was initially expected to be com...