Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has declared that the monumental Delhi-Mumbai Expressway will be completed shortly, promising a transformative reduction in the nation's logistics expenditure. During his inspection visit to Surat on Thursday, November 28, 2025, the minister underscored the project's potential to attract tourism and significantly boost Indian exports.
Quality and Global Standards
Gadkari, who reviewed the progress on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and the condition of National Highways 53 and 48, expressed strong satisfaction with the construction quality. He confirmed that the roads are being built with the latest technology, resulting in an excellent standard. The minister acknowledged minor issues are being rectified and proudly stated that his ministry has set seven world records in national highway development, including the notable Vadodara section.
Beyond the asphalt, the project includes significant green initiatives. The ministry has undertaken the task of planting trees on both sides of the expressway and is also setting up public amenities to enhance the commuter experience, ensuring the journey is not just fast but also comfortable.
A Corridor of National Importance
Highlighting the scale of the project, Gadkari revealed that the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway stretches over 1,350 kilometres, making it the country's longest highway and one of the longest in the world. Once operational, it will slash the travel time between the two megacities to approximately 12 hours. The minister credited the success of this historic undertaking to the dedicated teams working behind the scenes and the unwavering support of state governments and the public.
"Earlier, we faced problems like land acquisition and environmental issues, but they were sorted out, and now we will complete the project soon," Gadkari affirmed, adding that the expressway will also have connectivity in Uttar Pradesh.
Driving Down Logistics Costs
The minister outlined a bold vision to make Indian logistics more competitive on the global stage. He pointed out that while logistics costs in India are currently at 16 per cent, they stand at 8 per cent in China and 12 per cent in the US and European countries. "We will try to bring logistics costs to single digits," he asserted.
To achieve this, the strategy involves a multi-pronged approach: building high-quality roads like the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, promoting the use of electric buses and trucks on this route, and encouraging the adoption of biofuels in vehicles. Gadkari believes this holistic plan will not only reduce costs but also increase exports and tourism.
Gujarat's Highway Boost
During his two-day visit to Gujarat, Gadkari also addressed local infrastructure concerns. He assured that damaged sections on some National Highways in the state are being inspected and will be repaired promptly. In a significant financial commitment, the Union Minister announced an allocation of Rs. 20,000 crore under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to bolster the state's highway network.
This announcement followed a crucial review meeting in Gandhinagar with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and senior officials. During the meeting, Gadkari issued a stern warning, instructing officials and contractors to ensure high quality in road construction or face strict action. He emphasized that negligence in the construction and resurfacing of national highways would not be tolerated.
Chief Minister Patel highlighted the critical role of Gujarat's highways, which carry over 35% of the state's vehicle load, and urged for the speedy completion of key projects including the Ahmedabad-Mumbai, Rajkot-Gondal-Jetpur, and Ahmedabad-Udaipur highways.
