Delhi-Mumbai expressway completion delayed due to land issues
The completion of the ambitious Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, originally scheduled for January 2023, has been delayed to 2026 due to a combination of technical challenges and land acquisition issues. Despite significant progress on some sections of the 1386 km expressway, unforeseen obstacles have slowed the pace of construction.
Delays and Challenges
According to Harsh Mallhotra, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, acquiring land from private owners has proven to be a major hurdle. “Securing land for a project of this scale is complex and time-consuming,” Mallhotra said. While efforts have been made to address these issues, they have impacted the timeline.
In addition to land acquisition, the project has encountered technical challenges, which have further contributed to the delay.
Progress Made So Far
Despite these setbacks, parts of the expressway are already operational. The stretch connecting Sohna in Haryana to Dausa in Rajasthan was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2023, marking a significant milestone. This operational section has offered a glimpse of the expressway’s potential to revolutionise road travel between Delhi and Mumbai.
Impact and Future Prospects
Once completed, the expressway will halve the travel time between Delhi and Mumbai, reducing it from 24 hours to just 12 hours. This is expected to transform travel and logistics in the region, providing a faster, more efficient and comfortable commuting option for both passengers and goods transport.
The expressway’s completion is also anticipated to boost economic growth along its route, fostering development in adjacent regions by improving connectivity and access to major urban centres.
Looking Ahead
While the delay to 2026 is a setback, officials remain optimistic about the expressway’s transformative potential. The government has assured stakeholders that all efforts are being made to resolve the remaining issues and complete the project as soon as possible.
As work continues, the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway remains a symbol of India’s growing infrastructure ambitions, promising to significantly enhance connectivity between two of the country’s most important cities.
