Delhi-Mumbai Expressway Delayed to 2025, Misses Revised 2024 Target

19 Jul 2024 CW Team

The ambitious Delhi-Mumbai expressway project, hailed as a transformative development for Indian infrastructure, is experiencing substantial delays primarily due to land acquisition issues in Gujarat. Bidding for two key segments totalling 62 kilometres in Gujarat only began in November 2023. Construction on one of these segments started in April this year, while work on the other began just this month.

Originally scheduled for completion by January 2023, the project has faced numerous delays, pushing the revised completion target to March 2024, which has also been missed. It has been revealed that each segment requires at least eighteen months constructing. To accelerate progress, the project was divided into smaller 'packages' for more efficient execution. Officials have assured that all unresolved land acquisition issues are being actively addressed.

Currently, about 630 kilometres of the total 1,386 kilometres have been opened to traffic in various segments. Significant portions include Sohna-Dausa-Sawai Madhopur (293 km) and Jhalawar-MP/Gujarat border (245 km). Authorities are optimistic that the 845-kilometre stretch from Sohna to Vadodara will be fully operational by March 2025. Subsequent sections, which are vital connections to Mumbai's JNPT port, Jewar Airport in Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi's DND Flyway, are expected to follow.

Former NHAI officials stress the importance of timely land acquisition for such projects and highlight the need for proactive measures by state governments. A former official noted that the biggest obstacle in executing road projects, particularly greenfield expressways, is the lack of available land.

Recently, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways announced that contracts worth Rs 36.33 billion and Rs 22.87 billion were awarded for constructing 35 kilometres in Valsad and 27 kilometres in Navsari districts, respectively. However, construction in these areas has yet to begin.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..