Delhi-Mumbai Expressway: Revised Deadline and Gujarat Stretch Delay
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has revised the deadline for the completion of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. The ambitious project, which is set to revolutionize travel between the two major cities, will now be completed by June 2026. Gadkari made this announcement in the Lok Sabha, providing a detailed update on the progress and challenges faced during the construction.
Gadkari stated that the Delhi-Vadodara section of the expressway will be ready by May 2026, while the section from Vadodara to Mumbai will be completed by June 2026. However, the works in three packages in Gujarat are targeted for completion in the financial year 2027-2028. This revised schedule is a result of several delays encountered during the construction process.
The Union Minister further noted that out of the 1,350 km length of the expressway, about 875 km is already open to traffic. As of July 2025, only the 774 km section between Delhi and Mumbai was operational. The expressway is divided into 48 packages, and progress on five packages, covering a collective length of 140 km between Surat and the Gujarat-Maharashtra border, had been delayed. Despite these challenges, two of the delayed packages have since picked up pace, while work on three sections, totaling 90 km near Surat, remains slow.
The delays in the project can be attributed to several factors, including issues related to land acquisition, delays in obtaining permissions for tree felling and utility shifting, and concessionaire defaults. Gadkari assured the House that the cost of implementation remains within the sanctioned budget for the overall corridor.
In addition to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Gadkari also provided updates on the development of NH-66, the 485 km national highway connecting Mumbai to Goa. Civil construction works for upgrading the highway to four lanes began in a phased manner under 12 project packages in December 2011. As of now, four-lane work has been completed in 465 km of the highway, with the remaining 20 km under implementation and targeted for completion by June 2026. The project faced delays due to land hindrances, delayed clearances, and slow progress by some contractors.
Mumbai North Central MP Varsha Eknath Gaikwad inquired about the corrective steps being taken to enforce accountability, ensure quality standards, and expedite the completion of all NHAI projects connecting Mumbai with other major cities. Gadkari responded that regular meetings are held with all stakeholders, including state governments, to review the progress and ensure the timely completion of these projects.
The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is a significant infrastructure project that aims to reduce travel time between the two cities from 18 hours to around 12 hours. It is expected to boost economic activities, facilitate smoother logistics, and improve overall connectivity between the regions. The project is a testament to India's commitment to modernizing its infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.
