Road travel between Gurugram and Vadodara is about to get significantly faster. With the final phase of tunnel construction underway near Kota, the journey time is expected to drop from over 20 hours to just around 10 hours. The tunnel is part of the massive Delhi-Mumbai Expressway project, designed for high-speed, efficient connectivity.
Delhi-Mumbai Expressway: Transforming Indian Road Infrastructure
At 1,386 km in length, the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is the longest expressway in India, stretching from Gurugram in Haryana to Mumbai in Maharashtra. Constructed at a cost of ₹95,000 crore, it features eight lanes and access-controlled entry for seamless traffic flow, with scope for future expansion up to twelve lanes.
Several key sections are already operational, including the Gurugram-Dausa and Dausa-Kota stretches, which are easing congestion and speeding up travel across northern, central, and western India.
Tunnel Near Mukundra Hills: Final Phase Underway
The nearly completed 4-km-long tunnel near Mukundra Hills will help vehicles navigate the hilly terrain near Kota. This tunnel is crucial for connecting Rajasthan to Gujarat, especially Vadodara, before the expressway moves toward Maharashtra. Officials expect the entire corridor to be fully completed by October 2025.
High-Speed Travel Meets Sustainable Design
The expressway allows speeds of up to 120 kmph, making it ideal for long-distance, time-sensitive road travel. A unique feature is its 21-meter-wide median, allowing expansion without disrupting traffic.
More importantly, the project emphasizes eco-sensitive construction. Wildlife tunnels and measures to protect reserves like the Mukundra Tiger Reserve show the project’s commitment to sustainability and balanced development.
India’s Infrastructure Revolution Rolls On
With the tunnel near completion and multiple stretches operational, the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is redefining road travel in India. Besides reducing travel times and fuel costs, it’s also a green milestone in the country’s journey toward world-class infrastructure.
