Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced that the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is nearly 80 per cent complete and will be fully operational within two years, enabling motorists to travel from Delhi to Mumbai in just 12 hours.
Project Progress and Investment
Addressing a public gathering in Kota, Rajasthan, Gadkari stated that approximately Rs 1.10 lakh crore has already been invested in the expressway, with 75-80 per cent of construction completed. He acknowledged that further improvements are needed but assured that the ambitious corridor would be ready within two years, providing seamless road connectivity from Delhi to Nariman Point and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT).
Socio-Economic Impact
Gadkari emphasised that the expressway is not merely a transport corridor but a catalyst for socio-economic transformation. The route passes through several tribal districts that are socially, economically and educationally backward. The highway will bring industries, logistics parks, medical colleges and agro-based enterprises to these regions, creating employment and accelerating development.
The minister highlighted that the Union Government, after assuming office in 2014, made infrastructure development its highest priority, focusing on water, power, transport and communication. He noted that robust infrastructure attracts investment, promotes industrial growth, generates employment and ultimately helps reduce poverty, making highways engines of economic development.
New Projects for Rajasthan
Announcing new projects for Rajasthan, Gadkari approved the construction of the 10-km, four-lane Mukundra Bypass on the Kota–Jhalawar section of National Highway-52 at an estimated cost of Rs 551 crore. He said the government would make every effort to begin construction within the next three months.
Responding to a request by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Gadkari also announced the construction of a 21-km, four-lane greenfield spur road connecting Kota to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway through Anantpura. Work on this project is also expected to commence within three months.
Atal Express Highway
Gadkari further stated that the government would construct a Rs 15,000-crore Atal Express Highway, connecting Kota with Etawah along the Chambal river. The project, earlier known as the Chambal Highway, has been renamed in honour of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is under way, and construction will begin soon.
