India is focusing on building new expressways as its population grows and the need for efficient transportation becomes more important. While some expressways are already in use, many are still in the planning or construction stages. These new expressways will also help boost the economy by creating new jobs.
India has the second-largest road network in the world, connecting major and minor cities, towns, and villages. Expressways are vital for a country’s transportation system, especially as India’s population grows. Improved infrastructure is essential to meet the increasing demand.
The transport minister stated that travel times will be significantly reduced once these expressway projects are completed. For example, people can travel from Delhi to various places in just two hours. Traveling to Amritsar will take four hours, Delhi to Katra in six hours, Delhi to Mumbai in 12 hours, and Delhi to Bengaluru in just two hours. The travel time from Meerut to Delhi has already been reduced from 4.5 hours to just 40 minutes.
India plans to build these expressways to improve public transportation and promote economic growth. Here are some of the upcoming expressways in India:
What is an Expressway?
Infrastructure is crucial for any country’s development, and expressways are key in reducing travel time across India. As India’s highest class of roads, expressways ensure smooth and uninterrupted travel. Only specific areas allow vehicles to enter or exit; no other roads cross them.
Indian expressways have advanced features like the Highway Traffic Management System (HTMS) and Video Incident Detection System (VIDS). These innovations make expressways safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly, setting a high standard for future highways. By July 2022, India had 2,587.5 km (1,607.8 mi) of expressways.
Expressways are designed with access ramps, separated lanes, dividers, and elevated sections. The Purvanchal Expressway is India’s longest, stretching 340.8 km, while the Delhi-Meerut Expressway is the widest, with 14 lanes.
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, highlighted the National Highway Authority of India’s (NHAI) achievement of constructing over 1.47 lakh km of road connectivity across India in 2022 during his address to the Rajya Sabha.
These expressways are vital for improving connectivity and driving economic growth in the country.
Here is what National Highway is all about
National Highways are essential for connecting major cities, ports, and states across India. They typically feature two, four, or more lanes and are constructed using charcoal or cement concrete.
Owned by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, these highways are built, maintained, and managed by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL), and state public works departments (PWDs).
The National Highway Authority of India Act of 1988 established the National Highway system. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), India has 599 National Highways.
These highways are crucial for facilitating efficient transportation and supporting economic growth.
Difference between Expressways and Highways
The main difference between highways and expressways is the level of access control.
- In national expressways, roads are not multiple, and access is controlled. Vehicles can only enter through specific areas, and no other roads merge or cross the expressway at any point.
- This reduces the possibility of accidents. However, multiple roads often merge or cross at many points on highways.
- A highway is a type of roadway that connects important cities and towns. They typically have four lanes to accommodate high-speed traffic.
- An expressway is a high-speed road with limited access, featuring amenities like access ramps and lane dividers.
1) Ahmedabad – Dholera Expressway
The 109 km Ahmedabad Dholera Expressway (NH-751) is a 4-lane access-controlled road under construction by the National Highways Authority of India. This expressway will connect Sardar Patel Ring Road near Sarkhej to the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR), passing through Dholera International Airport at Navagam.
SMEC India Pvt. Ltd prepared the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project.
This greenfield expressway is part of the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor Project (DMIC). Land acquisition was finished in July 2020, and construction contracts were awarded to Sadbhav Engineering, GVH India, and DRA Infracon in November 2020.
- Total Estimated Cost: Rs. 3,500 crores
- Project’s Total Length: 109.019 km
- Status: Under Construction
- Deadline: December 2024
- Owner: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
- Project Model: EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction)
2. Amritsar – Jamnagar Economic Corridor
The 1,256 km Amritsar–Jamnagar Economic Corridor (NH-754 & EC-3), also known as the Amritsar–Jamnagar Expressway, is a 4-6 lane partially access-controlled highway under construction by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). This highway will pass through Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
Construction on the greenfield section began in 2019. The main goals are to improve freight movement efficiency and boost exports.
This project is part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I program.
- Total Estimated Cost: Rs. 80,000 crores
- Project’s Total Length: 1256.951 km
- Current Status: Under Construction, Bidding Underway & Land Acquisition Underway
- Deadline: December 2025
- Owner: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
- Project Model: Engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) and Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM)
3. Bangalore–Chennai Expressway
The 260.85 km Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway (BCE), officially known as NE-7, is a 4-lane access-controlled road currently under construction. It will connect Hoskote near Bengaluru, Karnataka, with Sriperumbudur near Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
This greenfield project, announced in 2011, is being developed under the Bharatmala Pariyojana program. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone on May 26, 2022.
- Total Estimated Cost: Rs. 17,000 crore
- Completion Deadline: December 2025
- Project’s Total Length: 260.85 km
- Main Expressway’s Length: 258.80 km
- Owner: National Highway Authority of India (NHAI)
- Status: Land Acquisition and Financial Bid Evaluation
- Project Model: Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM)
4. Bangalore–Mysore Expressway
The 119 km Bengaluru–Mysuru Expressway on NH-275 is an under-construction 6-10 lane access-controlled highway in Karnataka.
The project combines brownfield upgrades (60%) with greenfield development (40%) and serves as an alternative to the canceled Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE) Road.
This expressway is part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana (BMP) and was scheduled to be completed by October 2022.
- Total Estimated Cost: Rs. 8,066 crore
- Completion Deadline: October 2022
- Project’s Length: 119 km
- Owner: National Highway Authority of India (NHAI)
- Status: Under Construction
- Project Model: Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM)
5. Bundelkhand Expressway
The 296 km Bundelkhand Expressway is a greenfield project managed by UPEIDA. It was announced in April 2017, and land acquisition started in December 2018.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Bundelkhand Expressway in February 2020.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bundelkhand Expressway on July 16, 2022.
- Total Estimated Cost: Rs. 14,716 crore
- The project’s Total Length: 296.070 km
- Status: Under Construction
- Deadline: 2021-end
- Opening: July 16, 2022,
- Owner: Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA)
- Project Model: EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction)
6. Chennai Port – Maduravoyal Expressway
The 19.881 km Chennai Port–Maduravoyal Elevated Expressway, managed by NHAI, is expected to cost Rs. 5,855 crores. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone in May 2022.
In July 2022, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) issued tenders for a construction project divided into four packages.
- Total Estimated Cost: Rs. 5,855 crore
- Project’s Total Length: 19.881 km
- Status: Bidding Underway
- Deadline: N/A
- Owner: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
- Project Model: Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC)
7. Mumbai Coastal Road
The 29.80 km Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP) is a new, under-construction expressway providing a direct, controlled-access route from South Bombay’s Princess Street Flyover to Kandivali in the northern suburbs.
- Phase 1’s Estimated Cost: Rs 12,700 crore
- Phase 1’s Total Length: 10.58 km
- Completion Deadline: July 2023
- Owner: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) / Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM)
- Status: Under Construction
8. Delhi–Mumbai Expressway
The 1350 km Delhi-Mumbai Expressway (DME) project (NH-148N / NE-4) is being built.
This new expressway was approved in 2017 as part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana program, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone in 2019.
- Total Estimated Cost: Rs. 1,00,000 crore
- Project’s Total Length: 1350 km
- Scheduled Opening: January 26, 2023,
- NHAI’s Deadline: December 2024
- Owner: National Highway Authority of India (NHAI)
9. Dwarka Expressway
The 29.10 km Dwarka Expressway (NH 248-BB) is an under-construction, access-controlled highway that will link Mahipalpur (Shiv Murti) in Delhi with Kherki Dhaula in New Gurgaon (Gurugram), Haryana.
This project was initially planned as the Northern Peripheral Road (NPR) in 2006 and was transferred to the NHAI in 2016.
- Total Estimated Cost: Rs. 8,662 crore
- Length: 29.10 km
- Owner: National Highway Authority of India (NHAI)
- Status: Under Construction
- Completion Deadline: 2022-end
10. Trans-Haryana Expressway
The 227 km Trans-Haryana Expressway (NH-152D) is a new north-south highway that opened to traffic on August 1, 2022.
- Total Estimated Cost: Rs. 5,108 crore
- Project’s Total Length: 227.020 km
- Opened: August 1, 2022
- Deadline: 2021-end
- Owner: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
- Project Model: EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction)
Conclusion
India is set to see significant advancements in its road infrastructure, with the introduction of 10 major expressways by 2024. These new expressways are expected to enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, and boost economic growth across the country. As these projects move forward, they will play a crucial role in improving transportation efficiency and supporting India’s ongoing development.
FAQs
Q1: What are the upcoming expressways in India by 2024?
Ans: By 2024, several new expressways, including the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, the Mumbai Coastal Road, the Amritsar-Kolkata Expressway, and others, will be completed in India.
Q2: Why are these new expressways important?
Ans: These expressways will improve connectivity between major cities, reduce travel time, enhance road safety, and support economic development by facilitating smoother transportation of goods and passengers.
Q3: When is the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway expected to open?
Ans: The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is expected to be completed and operational by 2024, significantly cutting travel time between these two major cities.
Q4: How will the Mumbai Coastal Road benefit commuters?
Ans: The Mumbai Coastal Road will provide a faster and more direct route across Mumbai, reducing traffic congestion and travel time along the city’s coastline.
Q5: What is the significance of the Amritsar-Kolkata Expressway?
Ans: The Amritsar-Kolkata Expressway will connect key regions across northern and eastern India, enhancing trade and travel efficiency between these areas.
Q6: Where will the new expressways be located?
Ans: The new expressways will be strategically located across various regions of India, linking major cities and industrial hubs, including Delhi, Mumbai, Amritsar, Kolkata, and others.
Q7: How will these expressways impact local economies?
Ans: By improving transportation routes, these expressways will boost local economies through increased trade, easier access to markets, and job creation during and after construction.
Q8: What are the expected completion dates for these projects?
Ans: Most expressways are scheduled for completion by 2024, with specific dates varying based on project progress and regional factors.
Q9: Will there be any tolls on these new expressways?
Ans: Many upcoming expressways will include tolls to fund maintenance and operational costs. Specific toll rates will be announced closer to the opening dates.
Q10: How can I get updates on the progress of these expressways?
Ans: Updates on these expressways can be obtained from official announcements by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), project websites, and news sources covering infrastructure development.
