Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari confirmed on Wednesday that the ambitious Delhi-Mumbai Expressway project is on track for full completion within the next two years. This development is expected to dramatically reduce car travel time from Delhi to key Mumbai destinations like Nariman Point and Jawaharlal Nehru Port to just about 12 hours.
Speaking at a public gathering in Mandana after inspecting the expressway and the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve Tunnel, Gadkari stated that 75-80 percent of the massive ₹1.10 lakh crore project has already been completed.
Key Connectivity Projects Unveiled
Beyond the main expressway, Gadkari also announced several crucial infrastructure approvals aimed at enhancing regional connectivity:
- Mukundara Bypass: A 10-km, four-lane bypass on the Kota-Jhalawar section of NH-52 has been approved at an estimated cost of ₹551 crore. Construction is slated to begin within the next three months.
- Kota Link Spur: A 21-km, four-lane greenfield spur connecting Kota with the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway via Alantpura has been sanctioned at ₹1,000 crore, with work also expected to commence within three months.
Furthermore, plans are underway for a ₹15,000-crore Atal Express Highway from Kota to Etawah, running along the Chambal River. The detailed project report (DPR) for this highway is currently in preparation, and construction will follow the planning phase. The DPR for connecting Bhawani Mandi with the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway has also been initiated.
Mukundra Tunnel and Sustainable Road Building
The minister highlighted the upcoming opening of the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve Tunnel in August. This eight-lane tunnel is notable as India's first under a tiger reserve. Gadkari also emphasized the government's commitment to sustainable road construction, noting the use of nearly 80 lakh tonnes of municipal waste in road projects and the promotion of bio-bitumen derived from crop residue.