Delhi-Mumbai Expressway May Have To Wait Until December 2029
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is processing bids for two of these sections, while the process of appointing a replacement contractor for the third is in its final stage. Officials are hopeful of completing the bidding process this month, allowing construction to begin over the next couple of months. According to the Times of India, the three packages in Gujarat, numbered 8, 9 and 10, were initially awarded to Pune-based highway developer Roadways Solutions India Infra Ltd (RSIIL). However, NHAI terminated the contracts after the company failed to meet project milestones despite receiving multiple extensions, officials said. For Package 8, which covers the Jujuwa-Gandewa stretch, NHAI has received seven bids. Package 9, covering the Karvad-Jujuwa section, has attracted six bids.
Also Read: How India Is Using AI To Find Accident-Prone Highway Stretches Before They Turn Deadly
NHAI had to invite fresh bids for Package 8 after the last successful bidder, Bansal Construction Works, declined to sign the Letter of Acceptance (LoA) without giving a reason. The company forfeited its ₹15 crore bid security, a development that reportedly surprised officials familiar with the process. According to people aware of the development, RSIIL, which has been barred by NHAI from bidding for projects following non-performance, has also submitted a bid for one of the packages. Authorities expect the bidding process to conclude this month, with construction likely to begin in the next couple of months. They estimate that the three Gujarat sections will take around two years to complete and should be ready by December 2029.
Delhi-Mumbai Expressway Faces Multiple Delays
Apart from the three pending sections in Gujarat, one stretch each in Maharashtra and Rajasthan remains incomplete. These sections are expected to be ready by April 2027, according to people involved in the project. The expressway has faced delays due to several factors, including the Covid-19 pandemic, land acquisition issues and delays in obtaining statutory approvals.
Also Read: Video: Mysore Palace Sees Tourist Jam In Long Weekend; Netizens: & Some Still Stuck On Highway&
The government had envisaged the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway as a high-speed corridor that would cut travel time between the two cities by half, bringing the journey down to around 12 hours. However, with several stretches still awaiting completion, motorists may have to wait longer to experience the full benefits of the corridor.
What are your thoughts about this?
FAQs
Is the Delhi to Mumbai Expressway open?
The Delhi–Mumbai Expressway is partially open with major sections operational, though the entire 1,350 to 1,386-kilometer corridor is not yet completely finished.
What is the route of the new Mumbai-Delhi expressway?
The Delhi–Mumbai Expressway spans approximately 1,350 kilometers across six states in India, cutting travel time between New Delhi and Mumbai from 24 hours to about 12 hours.
Is Delhi-Mumbai Expressway 12 hours?
Yes, the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway is designed to cut the total travel time between Delhi and Mumbai to about 12 hours, down from the previous 24 to 33 hours via older routes.