Delhi-Mumbai Expressway to Be Ready in 2 Years: Nitin Gadkari

Speaking at a public event in Mandana, Kota, after inspecting the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve Tunnel, Gadkari assured that the remaining work would be completed on time.

Delhi to Mumbai in Just 12 Hours

Gadkari said that once the expressway is fully operational, people will be able to drive from Delhi to Nariman Point in Mumbai and Jawaharlal Nehru Port in around 12 hours, making travel faster and more convenient.

He added that the expressway still requires some improvements but promised that the project would be completed within the next two years.

Big Highway Projects Announced for Kota

The Union Minister also announced several new road infrastructure projects for the Kota region.

A 10-km four-lane Mukundara Bypass on the Kota-Jhalawar section of National Highway-52 has been approved at a cost of ₹551 crore. Construction is expected to begin within the next three months.

The Centre has also approved a 21-km four-lane greenfield spur road connecting Kota to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway through Alantpura. The project will cost around ₹1,000 crore, and work is likely to start within three months.

₹15,000 Crore Atal Express Highway Planned

Gadkari announced plans for the ₹15,000 crore Atal Express Highway, which will connect Kota to Etawah along the Chambal River.

Earlier known as the Chambal Express Highway, the project has now been renamed after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is currently being prepared, and construction will begin once the planning process is complete.

He also revealed that the DPR to connect Bhawani Mandi with the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway has already been initiated.

Highways Will Boost Jobs and Development

Gadkari said better roads will bring industries, logistics parks, educational institutions, hospitals, and agro-based businesses to underdeveloped regions, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.

He also highlighted the government's focus on sustainable infrastructure, saying nearly 80 lakh tonnes of municipal waste have been used in road construction. He added that bio-bitumen made from crop residue and aviation fuel produced from stubble are examples of how technology can turn waste into useful resources.

The event was attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma.