The final phase of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway in Maharashtra is nearing completion, with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) planning to open the Talasari–Raite section by April 2026. While the 156-km Talasari–Morbe stretch is progressing well, it cannot be fully operational yet because it lacks a direct connection to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA).
To fix this issue, NHAI has decided to build a new 15-km link between Morbe and the Kalamboli junction, ensuring a direct and seamless connection to the port. Officials have confirmed that the alignment of this new link has been finalised, and construction work will begin after the required design approvals are secured. The connector is expected to cost around Rs 9,000 crore.
Missing Link Delays Full Operation of Delhi–Mumbai Expressway in Maharashtra
Earlier, the expressway was supposed to link to JNPA through the Virar–Alibaug multi-purpose corridor being developed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). However, that project remains mostly on paper and has faced fresh delays following the issue of a new tender. These setbacks have increased pressure on NHAI to create an alternate, functional link to the port to ensure smooth freight movement and avoid further delays in operationalising the expressway’s Maharashtra section.
As construction on the Talasari–Morbe segment continues at a fast pace, NHAI plans a partial opening of the expressway, allowing vehicles to use only the Talasari–Raite stretch covering approximately 140 kilometres. Until the missing link is completed, travellers and freight vehicles will still have to take a longer detour from Raite to reach JNPA, resulting in travel times of nearly an hour.
Critical Connector Accelerates as Delays Hit MSRDC Corridor
According to NHAI Regional Manager Anshumali Srivastava, the new Morbe–Kalamboli connector will significantly reduce travel time to just 20–25 minutes once completed. He noted that the project has gained urgency due to delays in the MSRDC corridor and will play a critical role as the “missing link” needed to unlock the expressway’s full potential in Maharashtra.
Summary:
The Delhi–Mumbai Expressway’s Maharashtra section is nearing completion, but full operation is delayed due to the missing JNPA link. NHAI is building a 15-km Morbe–Kalamboli connector after MSRDC corridor delays. Until then, only the Talasari–Raite stretch will open. The new link will cut port travel time to 20–25 minutes.
