Delhi-Mumbai Expressway to Revolutionize Travel, Halve Journey Time Across Six States
A major milestone in India’s infrastructure development is approaching completion with the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, the country’s longest expressway stretching 1,386 kilometers. Opened in phases, the expressway is already making an impact, with a newly inaugurated stretch near Kota (Rajasthan) allowing travel between Gurugram in Haryana and Vadodara in Gujarat in just 10 hours—half the usual 20-22 hour duration.
Engineered for speeds up to 120 km/h, the expressway is expected to significantly reduce both travel time and fuel costs. With an estimated investment of ₹95,000 crore, the massive project runs through six states: Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Once complete, it will be the most extensive and technologically advanced highway in India.
What sets this expressway apart is its commitment to eco-conscious development. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has incorporated sustainable construction techniques and wildlife-friendly features, including underpasses, dedicated corridors, and noise-reducing barriers—especially in ecologically sensitive areas like the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve.
The expressway is expected to ease pressure on the heavily trafficked NH-48, the current main link between Delhi and Mumbai. While NH-48 spans 1,440 kilometers and often experiences congestion, the new expressway will cut the overall travel time to about 12 hours from the current average of nearly 24 hours.
Full operation of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is anticipated by October 2025, marking a new era of faster, greener, and more efficient travel across a major stretch of India.
