Delhi–Jaipur commuters can soon expect a shorter, faster journey as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) nears completion of a new 67-kilometre stretch connecting Bandikui to Jaipur on the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway. The highway, now finished and awaiting final security clearances, is set to open next month and is expected to significantly cut travel time between the two cities.
This new four-lane connector bypasses traffic-prone segments of the current route, offering a more efficient alternative for thousands of daily commuters and freight transporters navigating between India’s capital and the Rajasthan state capital. Once operational, the new link is expected to reduce the Delhi–Jaipur drive from roughly four hours to just over three hours. The new route integrates seamlessly with the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway and provides a cleaner exit via Bandhraj Toll Plaza in Dausa district, easing congestion typically encountered while detouring toward the Jaipur–Agra Highway (NH-44). According to NHAI officials, the existing route adds considerable delay due to bottlenecks and local traffic snarls, especially near the highway merges.
With the addition of this 67-km stretch, drivers will save not just on time but also on distance. The total journey to Jaipur will shrink by 12 kilometres, a modest number on paper but a significant improvement when paired with reduced signal stops and improved road quality. NHAI officials said the new road has been designed keeping in mind both passenger comfort and heavy-duty logistics. “Once open, this link will reduce pressure on the traditional Jaipur Highway and improve efficiency across the corridor,” he said, noting that the route is also future-ready in terms of pavement quality and safety infrastructure.
The upgrade is particularly significant for the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, one of India’s most ambitious highway projects. Stretching over 1,350 km and cutting across multiple states, it is designed not only to boost long-haul transit but to transform regional connectivity. With nodes like this new Bandikui–Jaipur stretch added in, the expressway is becoming more accessible for localised intercity traffic as well. For frequent travellers and transporters alike, this improvement is expected to yield real economic dividends. Shorter transit times mean lower fuel consumption and quicker turnaround for commercial freight—a critical factor for Jaipur’s export-heavy economy, which deals in textiles, jewellery, and industrial goods.
Urban mobility experts suggest that while the new link brings welcome relief, long-term benefits will depend on how effectively supporting infrastructure like rest areas, emergency services, and bypass regulation is implemented. The link also highlights a broader need: ensuring seamless integration between high-speed expressways and older, urban road networks to prevent bottlenecks at entry points. Equally critical is the environmental context. By trimming idling time and congestion, the new connector contributes modestly to reducing vehicular emissions—a positive note as India grapples with the dual challenge of infrastructure expansion and climate sustainability.
The public response to the announcement has been largely positive, especially among Jaipur residents who frequently travel to Delhi for business or family reasons. However, many are also looking ahead to whether further expansions—like smart tolling and electronic lane systems—will be brought in to optimise usage and avoid bottlenecks at toll plazas. As the Bandikui–Jaipur connector opens next month, it sets a new benchmark in intercity infrastructure that focuses not only on speed but also on accessibility and balance between national highways and state-level urban mobility needs. With state and national highway agencies working in coordination, the Delhi–Jaipur corridor could become a model for regional link integration, reducing strain on main arteries while offering practical, route-specific solutions.
For now, commuters can look forward to a smoother ride and a significantly reduced journey time. As one frequent traveller put it, “Anything that gets us out of traffic an hour sooner is a step forward. We just hope the new road lives up to the promise.”
