Delhi-Mumbai Expressway to Be Fully Completed Within Two Years, Says Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has said the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway will be fully operational within the next two years, with nearly 75 to 80 per cent of the ₹1.10 lakh crore project already completed. The announcement came during his visit to Kota, Rajasthan, where he inspected the expressway and the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve tunnel.

Addressing a public gathering in Mandana, Gadkari said the remaining work on the country’s flagship expressway project would be completed within the promised timeline. Once operational, motorists will be able to travel from Delhi to Nariman Point in Mumbai and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port in around 12 hours.

The minister also announced several new highway projects aimed at improving connectivity across the Kota region.

Among the key announcements was the approval of a 10 km four-lane Mukundara Bypass on the Kota-Jhalawar section of National Highway 52. The ₹551 crore project is expected to begin within the next three months.

Gadkari also confirmed approval for a 21 km four-lane greenfield spur road connecting Kota to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway through Alantpura. The project, estimated to cost around ₹1,000 crore, is also scheduled to begin construction within the next three months.

In another major announcement, the Centre is preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed ₹15,000 crore Atal Express Highway, which will connect Kota with Etawah along the Chambal River. Previously known as the Chambal Express Highway, the project has been renamed after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as the corridor passes through Gwalior. Construction will begin after the DPR and planning process are completed.

The minister further said that work on the DPR to connect Bhawani Mandi with the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway has already started following requests from local representatives.

Highlighting the wider impact of highway infrastructure, Gadkari said improved road connectivity encourages industrial investment, logistics parks, educational institutions, healthcare facilities and agro-based industries, particularly in underdeveloped and tribal regions.

He added that better transport infrastructure plays a key role in generating employment, attracting investment and supporting regional economic growth.

Speaking on sustainable construction practices, Gadkari said nearly 80 lakh tonnes of municipal waste have been used in road construction across the country. He also highlighted the government’s efforts to promote bio-bitumen produced from crop residue and the development of aviation fuel from agricultural stubble as part of its waste-to-wealth initiatives.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma were present during the event.