The final stretch of the Delhi-Faridabad-Sohna expressway corridor has been completed, with a trial journey from Sarai Kale Khan to Sohna and Palwal taking 40-45 minutes instead of around three hours during peak traffic, South Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri said on Monday.
The DND-Faridabad-Sohna Access Controlled Highway, or NH-148A, is expected to improve connectivity between Delhi, Faridabad, Sohna and Palwal once the full corridor becomes operational. The route will connect Sarai Kale Khan with Jaitpur and Meethapur before extending towards Faridabad and linking with the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal Expressway and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway network.
Bidhuri and Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari recently inspected the corridor while the National Highways Authority of India was carrying out load testing and other technical evaluations. Sources indicated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may inaugurate the corridor later this year. The report did not specify an inauguration date.
The corridor includes a 59-km NH-148A section and a further 9-km stretch of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway between the DND Flyway and Jaitpur. The DND-Jaitpur section is intended to provide a direct connection from Delhi to the wider expressway network, while adjoining sections connect commuters to Faridabad and the KMP Expressway.
The Delhi portion between the DND Flyway and Jaitpur, covering 9 km, has opened on a trial basis. It is currently toll-free and has a speed limit of 40 kmph while NHAI monitors traffic movement. The 50-km Haryana section from Jaitpur towards Sohna and the KMP Expressway is operational and has moved beyond the trial phase, with toll collection in place.
The new route is expected to provide an alternative to existing roads used by commuters travelling from Delhi to Faridabad and southern Haryana. Bidhuri said the corridor would help ease congestion at Ashram Chowk, Kalindi Kunj and along Mathura Road, while reducing travel time and fuel consumption.
According to Bidhuri, the journey from the DND Flyway to Faridabad could take around 20 minutes, compared with the current 30 minutes needed to cover the Ashram-Badarpur border section. Traffic travelling towards Faridabad, Ballabhgarh and Sohna is expected to shift to the expressway, potentially reducing pressure on the Ring Road and Mathura Road. The extent of time savings for commuters will depend on traffic conditions and the corridor’s operational arrangements.
