India’s most ambitious road infrastructure project, the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, is rapidly moving toward completion. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), 1,156 km of the total 1,386 km stretch has already been constructed, with 756 km now open for public travel.

82% Project Completion Achieved

In a recent update to the Rajya Sabha, the ministry reported that the expressway’s physical progress had reached 82% as of June 2024. While the overall pace remains strong, certain sections—particularly five packages covering 140 km between Surat and the Gujarat-Maharashtra border—have seen some delays. These were attributed to land acquisition issues, slow contractor performance, and unforeseen challenges.

Despite these setbacks, officials remain confident that the remaining stretch will be delivered on schedule with intensified efforts underway.

India’s Longest Expressway in the Making

Once fully completed, the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway will become India’s longest expressway. Even with only 756 km currently open, it has already surpassed other operational expressways in length.

This eight-lane, access-controlled expressway is designed for speeds of up to 120 km/hr and is future-ready for expansion to 12 lanes. It cuts through Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, significantly improving regional connectivity.

Travel Time to Be Cut by 50%

The expressway is expected to halve travel time between Delhi and Mumbai—from the current 24 hours down to just 12 hours. Compared to the existing NH-48, this new corridor will provide a faster, safer, and more seamless travel experience, avoiding city congestion and reducing logistics costs.

A ₹1 Lakh Crore Infrastructure Marvel

With an estimated cost of around ₹1 lakh crore, the expressway stands as a testament to India’s growing focus on high-speed infrastructure and economic corridor development. The final cost will be determined after the full completion of the project.