Navsari Delhi Mumbai Expressway Stretch to Fully Open by November End
The much-anticipated Bharuch–Navsari stretch of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway is set to become operational by the end of November, marking a significant step towards completing one of India’s most ambitious green transport corridors. Once functional, the new section will provide uninterrupted connectivity from Ahmedabad to Navsari, transforming travel time and logistics efficiency across western India.
Officials overseeing the project confirmed that the Bharuch–Kharel segment has reached its final construction phase, with directives issued to wrap up pending works between Ankleshwar and Kim. Technical work, including the shutdown of five high-tension power lines between Bharuch and Kim, is expected to conclude by mid-November, paving the way for full-scale vehicular movement before month-end.The Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, a flagship infrastructure initiative under India’s national logistics and mobility plan, is divided into two primary corridors Delhi–Vadodara and Vadodara–Virar. While parts of the Delhi–Vadodara section in Gujarat are still under development, several packages within the Vadodara–Virar segment are nearing completion, extending the operational reach of the project.
Commuters can currently enjoy seamless travel from Ahmedabad to Bharuch, with the Ahmedabad–Vadodara Expressway (NE-1) and the Vadodara–Bharuch portion already open. The recent completion of the Ena–Kharel package, including toll infrastructure, adds further capacity, allowing traffic diversion from congested sections of National Highway 48. However, minor work remains on the Kharel underpass link connecting the service road to NH-48, which is being widened for smoother access.Transport department officials noted that the Mandale and Charkop depots along the broader network are designed to ensure operational sustainability, with safety and environmental considerations guiding each phase of construction. The project follows strict emission and land optimisation standards, aligning with India’s commitment to zero-carbon transport infrastructure.
Once the Bharuch–Kharel section opens, Gujarat will achieve a continuous high-speed corridor from Ahmedabad to Navsari, significantly reducing travel time between key industrial and agricultural hubs. Experts believe this connectivity will accelerate regional trade, streamline freight movement, and reduce vehicular emissions by cutting idling and congestion on existing routes.However, challenges remain. The section between Kharel and Valsad, extending toward Mumbai, still awaits major construction work. According to project engineers, even under accelerated timelines, the completion of this portion may take another 18 months. Despite this, the upcoming November milestone is expected to offer a major relief to commuters and transporters, easing traffic load on NH-48 while supporting sustainable and inclusive regional growth.As India advances towards an integrated and eco-conscious highway network, the Bharuch–Navsari stretch stands as a testament to efficient planning, resilient engineering, and the pursuit of equitable urban–rural mobility.
