The Indian government is working on fifteen new expressways to enhance the country’s road network. These projects aim to reduce travel time, boost trade, and improve connectivity between major cities. like Delhi-Mumbai and Bengaluru-Chennai. Several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and West Bengal, will benefit from these new highways.
Once the project is completed, these expressways will make long-distance travel much faster and more convenient for travellers. Major business and industrial hubs will be better connected, helping the economy grow. Many of these projects are already under construction, while some are in the planning phase. Let’s have a look at the 15 key expressways that will soon be open for traffic.
1. Delhi-Katra Expressway (NHAI) – 650 km, 4 lanes, partially open; remaining construction ongoing.
2. Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway (NHAI) – 109 km, 4 lanes, under construction.
3. Ahmedabad-Tharad Expressway (NHAI) – 214 km, 6 lanes, land acquisition in progress.
4. Ganga Expressway (Meerut to Prayagraj) (UPEIDA) – 594 km, 6 lanes, under construction.
5. Gorakhpur Link Expressway (UPEIDA) – 91 km, 4 lanes, under construction.
6. Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway (NHAI) – 261 km, 4 lanes, under construction.
7. Chittoor-Thatchur Expressway (NHAI) – 116 km, 6 lanes, under construction.
8. Delhi-Dehradun Expressway (NHAI) – 210 km, 6 lanes, under construction.
9. Raipur-Visakhapatnam Expressway (NHAI) – 465 km, 6 lanes, under construction.
10. Gorakhpur-Siliguri Expressway (NHAI) – 519 km, 4 lanes, land acquisition in progress.
11. Hargripur-Morgram Expressway (NHAI) – 230 km, 4 lanes, under construction.
12. Varanasi-Kolkata Expressway (NHAI) – 610 km, 6 lanes, construction in progress in some sections.
13. Bareilly-Gorakhpur Expressway (NHAI) – 500 km, 6 lanes, DPR (Detailed Project Report) ready.
14. Shamli-Bareilly Expressway (NHAI) – 220 km, 6 lanes, DPR ready.
15. Ambala-Shamli Expressway (NHAI) – 122 km, 6 lanes, under construction.
How These Expressways Will Benefit India
These expressways will make travel less time-taking and productive, long-distance journeys would be covered smoothly and on a faster note. For example, the Delhi-Katra Expressway will make it easier for pilgrims to reach Vaishno Devi. Whereas, the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway will boost tourism in Uttarakhand. The Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway is going to improve trade and business connectivity between the two major South Indian cities.
States like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Haryana will see improved infrastructure. That will benefit local businesses, industries, and agriculture. Farmers will find it easier to transport their goods.
Further, manufacturers will be able to ship products more efficiently.
Current Status of India’s Expressway Projects
While some of these highways are already partially open. There are others, which are still under construction or in the land acquisition stage. The Ganga Expressway and Raipur-Visakhapatnam Expressway are among the biggest projects presently being built. The government has made sure that construction progresses rapidly so that these roads are ready for public use soon.
Apart from these 15 expressways, there are many more projects in progress across the country. India’s road network is expanding at a fast pace, making transportation safer, faster, and more efficient. According to the latest Infra News India report, these expressway projects will play a significant role in strengthening India’s infrastructure and economy in the coming years.
Update on Delhi-Katra Expressway via Amritsar
As per reports, NHAI has cancelled the tender for a 30-km section of the Amritsar spur of the coveted Delhi–Amritsar-Katra Expressway due to its inability to acquire land. The Amritsar spur—99 km total length—will connect the holy city of Punjab to the Delhi-Katra stretch of the expressway. As per reports, an approx 30-km section has ben put on hold. The Amritsar spur has been facing land acquisition challenges since 2022.