In 2024, India is gearing up for transforming its roadways infrastructure, with new expressways promising to reshape the connectivity landscape. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is executing plans for a substantial expansion of the highway network, aligning with Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari’s affirmation of the imminent operational status of these expressways.
As the interim budget approaches, let’s delve into the progress of three such under-construction expressways that promise to redefine India’s highways:
Delhi-Mumbai Expressway
The Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, India’s longest and most crucial route linking the capital to its financial hub, is on track for completion by the end of this year. Currently, a 209-kilometer stretch from Sohna in Haryana to Dausa in Rajasthan has already been opened.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, spanning 1,386 kilometers and five states — Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra — is not only one of the largest but also one of the fastest-built expressways globally. With a record pace of construction, 910 kilometers have been completed as of November 2023, with more sections expected to open to traffic by March 2024, the Ministry informed.
Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway
Another groundbreaking project is the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, poised to significantly reduce travel time between Delhi and Amritsar to a mere four hours upon completion. Spanning 669 kilometers and budgeted at Rs 39,000 crore, this expressway is progressing in two phases.
With 181 kilometers already constructed, the Western Peripheral EXP – Kaithal section is likely to open to traffic by March 2024, the central government informed. The complete expressway is expected to be operational by the fiscal year 2025-26.
Amritsar-Bhatinda-Jamnagar (Trans-Rajasthan) Corridor
The Amritsar-Bhatinda-Jamnagar Corridor, a six-lane access-controlled corridor covering 917 kilometers, is another feather in the cap of India’s infrastructure development. With a budget of Rs 23,203 crore, 747 kilometers have been completed as of November 2023, the government informed.
The inauguration of Rajasthan’s Arjansar (Bikaner) – Jalore section in July 2023 marked a significant milestone, with the remaining sections in Rajasthan and Gujarat expected to be completed by March 2024.
