Delhi-Mumbai Expressway Nears Completion as 80% Work Done, Set to Cut Travel Time to 12 Hours

Gadkari said the expressway will not only transform connectivity by significantly reducing travel time but will also create new opportunities for industries, businesses and employment in the regions through which the corridor passes.

During his inspection of the ongoing construction work, Gadkari reviewed the progress of the expressway stretch from the Laban Interchange in Bundi to the Dara Tunnel in Kota. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma were also present during the inspection on Wednesday.

Addressing a gathering near Gopalpura Mataji, Gadkari said the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is not merely being developed to increase vehicle speed but is also aimed at extending economic development to regions that have remained relatively underdeveloped.

He stated that areas connected by the expressway will witness expansion of industries, businesses, logistics hubs, educational institutions and healthcare facilities. The project is expected to generate new employment opportunities at the local level and accelerate economic growth.

Gadkari also highlighted the proposed Atal Expressway between Kota and Etawah. He said the Detailed Project Report for the approximately Rs 15,000 crore project is currently being prepared. According to him, the highway will provide a major boost to development in the Chambal region and strengthen regional connectivity.

Addressing the gathering in the presence of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Gadkari assured that the central government would not allow any shortage of funds for road development projects in Rajasthan. He said the government is ready to provide complete support for development works based on the projects proposed by the state government.

Before the inspection, the Union Minister held a meeting with officials to review safety measures and traffic management arrangements on the expressway. He directed authorities to increase regular patrolling and take strict action against heavy vehicles parked in an unorganised manner along the roadside to reduce the possibility of accidents in the future.

The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is among the country’s largest infrastructure projects and is expected to play a crucial role in transforming transportation networks across multiple states. Once operational, the expressway will boost industrial activity in Rajasthan and other regions, reduce logistics costs and provide fresh momentum to economic development.