The Central government has reaffirmed its commitment to complete the Delhi?Mumbai Expressway within the next two years, saying roughly 75-80 per cent of the corridor is already finished after recent inspections. The expressway project, estimated at Rs 1,100 billion (Rs 1,100 bn), is being positioned as a flagship scheme to improve freight movement and reduce travel times on the 1,350 kilometre route between the national capital and Mumbai to around 12 hours. Ministers said remaining work will be prioritised to meet the timeline. During a programme in Mandana following inspections of the expressway and the Mukundra Hills tunnel, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced approval for several ancillary projects around Kota. He outlined a 10 kilometre four?lane Mukundara Bypass on the Kota?Jhalawar section of National Highway?52 at an estimated cost of Rs 5.51 billion (Rs 5.51 bn), with work expected to begin within three months. He also approved a 21 kilometre four?lane greenfield spur to link Kota through Alantpura at an estimated Rs 10 billion (Rs 10 bn). The minister further announced planning for the Atal Express Highway connecting Kota and Etawah along the Chambal River, a project estimated at Rs 150 billion (Rs 150 bn) and renamed in tribute to a former prime minister as the proposed route passes through Gwalior. He said the Detailed Project Report for the new expressway is under preparation and that construction will commence once planning is complete. A separate DPR to connect Bhawani Mandi with the main expressway has been initiated following local requests. Gadkari emphasised that improved road networks attract industries, logistics parks, educational and medical institutions and agro?based investment, helping to spur job creation and regional development. He noted sustainable construction practices, including the reuse of nearly 8 million tonnes (8 mn t) of municipal waste in road building and the promotion of bio?bitumen from crop residue. The event was attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma.