Delhi to Mumbai in 12 hours? Delhi-Mumbai Expressway completion delayed by 2 years – here’s why

The highly anticipated Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, which promises to reduce travel time between the two cities to just 12 hours, has encountered a significant delay. Initially expected to be completed by March 2024, the project now faces a two-year setback due to slow progress in several sections, particularly in Gujarat.

Slow Progress in Key Sections

As per recent reports, the construction of three crucial segments spanning 87 km in Gujarat is significantly behind schedule. One of these sections, measuring 35 km, has seen no progress, while the others are at just 7% and 35% completion respectively. These delays have contributed to the overall project timeline being pushed back, with the expected completion now set for October 2025.

The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is a massive undertaking, spanning 1,382 km and divided into smaller packages to ensure parallel construction. While some states have made progress, the delays in Gujarat have become a bottleneck for the entire project.

Efforts to Speed Up Construction

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recently assessed the project’s status with NHAI and Ministry of Road Transport officials. He urged for faster execution to meet the revised deadlines. Despite the setbacks in Gujarat, work has progressed well in Haryana, and Rajasthan sections are expected to be completed by March-April 2026.

One of the major milestones to look forward to is uninterrupted travel between Delhi and Vadodara by March 2024, as most of the work in that region is expected to be completed by then. However, the stretch linking Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Maharashtra has also faced delays, with a 21-km section still pending. This section, initially planned for construction by MSRDC, is now being handled by NHAI, and cost estimates for this stretch are being prepared.

What’s Causing the Delays?

While several factors have contributed to the delay, officials have pointed to issues such as land acquisition and technical challenges as key hurdles. These issues have primarily impacted the work in Gujarat, with the delayed 35-km section being assigned to a contractor now expected to be completed by February 2027.

The delays have caused frustration for many commuters who were hopeful about the expressway’s potential to cut travel time between Delhi and Mumbai dramatically. The project is crucial for improving connectivity and economic activity across several states, but the current pace of progress is likely to delay these benefits.

The Road Ahead

While setbacks are inevitable in large infrastructure projects, the authorities remain committed to getting the expressway completed as soon as possible. Efforts are underway to expedite construction in Gujarat, and work in Maharashtra should largely finish by the end of this year, barring the Jawaharlal Nehru Port link.

Despite the challenges, the completion of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway will significantly improve travel times and boost connectivity across India. As the government works to overcome these hurdles, travelers are advised to keep an eye on further updates regarding the project’s progress.

A Future to Look Forward To

In the long run, once completed, the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway will revolutionize travel between two of India’s most important cities. Though the wait has grown longer, the benefits of the expressway will undoubtedly be worth it for commuters and businesses alike, making it one of the country’s most ambitious and transformative infrastructure projects.