List of the Top 10 Upcoming Expressways in India.

Expressways in India

India, being a developing nation, is undergoing significant advancements in its road network, currently ranking as the third-largest globally. Notably, the United States of America and China hold the first and second positions, respectively. The rapid expansion of the Indian road network suggests a trajectory that could potentially propel India to surpass both the USA and China, claiming the top position.

The extensive road network in India seamlessly links major cities to the smallest towns through a comprehensive infrastructure comprising national roads, highways, overpasses, and expressways. The government ensures the provision of all necessary amenities along these upcoming roads and expressways, including SOS booths, CCTV surveillance, speed measurement systems, as well as police and ambulance services. There is a prospect of India soon incorporating IoT (Internet of Things) technology to enhance the convenience and safety of road travel. Additionally, the integration of AI and big data is expected to contribute to making driving safer and more efficient.

In the pursuit of achieving world-class standards, India is currently focusing on the development of upcoming expressways, showcasing a commitment to excellence. This article delves into details about the top 13 forthcoming expressways in India, offering insights into their timelines, locations, and specifications. Before exploring these expressways, it is crucial to comprehend the distinctions between an expressway and a highway.

What is an Expressway?

An expressway is a specifically designed roadway intended for high-speed vehicles. Controlled entry and exit are facilitated through ramps, and these roads are strategically planned to avoid intersections with other expressways, minimizing the risk of accidents. Expressways typically feature grade separation, ramps, elevated sections, and lane dividers. In India, expressways commonly have either 6 or 12 lanes.

Presently, the Agra Lucknow Expressway holds the title of the longest operational expressway in India, spanning a length of 302 km. The upcoming expressways are poised to further enhance the extensive network of expressways in India.

How is an Expressway different from a Highway?

Expressways of India distinguish themselves from highways primarily through their lane configuration, as expressways typically feature 6 or 8 lanes, while highways typically have 4 lanes. Another notable contrast lies in the controlled traffic system of expressways, where vehicles can enter from designated access points only. In contrast, highways often have multiple roads merging with them at various intersections.

13 Upcoming Expressways of India

Here is the list of expressways that are slated to be completed over the next few years.

1. Delhi–Mumbai Expressway

The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, a component of the Bharatmala Pariyojana's phase 1, is currently under development, spanning a length of 1350 km. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has set a target to complete this expressway by 2023. Distinguishing itself with unique features, every 100 km of the expressway will house trauma centres for accident victims, and a total of 93 rest stops will be strategically placed along the entire route. To minimize disturbance to Indian wildlife, instrumental music will serve as a substitute for traditional horns and sirens. Notably, this expressway is the first to incorporate 12 helipads along its roadway from Delhi to Mumbai. These helipads, with four in Dausa, six in Sawai Madhopur, and two in Kota, will be utilized for medical emergencies, defense-related activities, and other purposes. Once operational, the expressway aims to cover the distance between Delhi and Mumbai in 12.5 hours.

• Total cost of the project: Rs 1 lakh crore 
• Total length of the project: 1350 km
• Lanes: 8, can be expanded to 12
• Speed Limit: 120 Kmph
• Completion deadline: 2023
• Owner of the expressway: NHAI

2. Dwarka Expressway

The inaugural eight-lane elevated urban expressway in India links Mahipalpur in Delhi to Kherki Daula Toll Plaza in Haryana. Known as the Dwarka Expressway, this project aims to alleviate traffic congestion on NH-8 and accommodate a daily commuter volume of 3 lakh passengers. Spanning a total length of 29.10 km, with 18.9 km in Gurgaon and 10.1 km in Delhi, the expressway integrates an Intelligent Transportation System. This system disseminates information on various aspects such as time, delays, speed, road accidents, diversions, route alterations, and work zone areas. Additionally, there is a proposed metro route along the expressway by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), currently awaiting approval.

• Project estimated cost: Rs 8,662 crores
• Length of the expressway: 29.10 km
• Lanes: 8 lanes + local lane
• Completion deadline: 2022

3. Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway

The Samruddhi Mahamarg, also known as the Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway, spans a distance of 701 km, connecting 390 villages and spanning ten districts. Among the major cities linked by this expressway are Nagpur, Kalyan, Aurangabad, Nashik, Shirdi, Bhiwandi, and Wardha. Promising a significant reduction in travel time, it aims to cut the journey between Mumbai and Nagpur to eight hours, compared to the current 14-15 hours. Notably, this highway allows a speed limit of 150 km/hr, making it one of the high-speed expressways in the country. Although the expressway was scheduled to be operational in 2021, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has faced delays due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.

• Estimated cost of project: Rs 55,000 crores
• Length of the project: 701 km
• Lanes: 6 lanes
• Completion deadline: December 2021 (Delayed)
• Highway system: Expressways of India
• Highway Authority: Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC)

4. Ganga Expressway

The Ganga Expressway is a project involving a six-lane highway that will establish a connection between NH 334 in Meerut and NH 2 Prayagraj Bypass. This expressway is anticipated to significantly reduce travel time, bringing the journey between Meerut and Prayagraj down from 12 hours to six hours. Originating from Bijoli village in Meerut, it reaches its endpoint at Judapur Dandu village in Prayagraj. The route encompasses key cities such as Prayagraj, Meerut, Unnao, Budaun, Sambhal, Chandausi, Tilhar, Bangarmau, Raebareli, Hapur, and Siyana. Once completed, the Ganga Expressway will hold the distinction of being India’s longest expressway.

• Total cost of project: Rs 40,000 crores
• Length of the project: 594 km
• Lanes: 6, expandable to 8 lanes
• Authority: Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA)
• Completion deadline: Expected by 2024

5. Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway

The Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway spans a distance of 650 km, traversing from the Bahadurgarh Border in Delhi to Katra in Jammu and Kashmir. Key cities covered by this four-lane expressway include Nokadar, Amritsar, and Gurdaspur. Beyond its role as a transportation route, this expressway plays a significant role in promoting religious tourism by connecting two revered towns for Hindus and Sikhs—the Mata Vaishno Devi temple and the Golden Temple. To enhance safety and convenience, the expressway features essential facilities such as trauma centers for medical emergencies, on-call ambulances, nearby fire departments, recreational areas, traffic enforcement, designated bus bays, truck stops, and restaurants.

• Cost of of Project - Phase 1: Rs 25,000 crore
• Length of project: 650 km (approx.), main expressway’s length: 550 km (approx.)
• Lanes: 4 (expandable to 8)
• Completion date: October 2023
• Authority: National Highway Authority of India
• Highway system: Expressway of India

6. Ahmedabad Dholera Expressway

The Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway, initially announced in 2010, received approval in 2019. This four-lane expressway stretches from Sardar Patel Ring Road in Sarkhej to Dholera International Airport in Navagam, also providing connectivity to the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR). Acquiring the land for this 109 km long expressway was completed in 2020 as part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Project (DMIC). The construction of the expressway is undertaken by Sadbhav Engineering, GVH India, and DRA Infracon.

• Total cost of project: Rs 3,000 crores (approx)
• Total length of project: 109.019 km
• Lanes: 4
• Completion date: March 2023
• Authority: NHAI
• Project Model: EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction)

7. Bangalore-Chennai Expressway

An imminent expressway in South India, this four-lane thoroughfare establishes a vital connection between Bangalore and Chennai—two central capitals in the southern region. Spanning 260 km, the stretch extends from Hoskote to Bangarpet in Karnataka, Palamaner and Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh, and Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. Projected to trim the distance by 50 km, vehicles on this expressway will be able to travel at a speed of 120 km/hr.

• Total cost of project: Rs 17,000 crore
• Project’sTotal Length: 260.85 km
• Lanes: 4 (expandable to 8)
• Completion Deadline: yet to be announced
• Authority: NHAI

8. Raipur–Visakhapatnam Expressway

Constituting a segment of the Raipur-Visakhapatnam corridor, this six-lane expressway spans 464 km along NH-130CD and EC-15. It traverses through the red corridor, encompassing regions in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh in central and east-central India. Anticipated to significantly cut travel time, the expressway aims to reduce the journey from 14 hours to 7 hours, covering a shortened distance of 464 km compared to the original 590 km.

• Total cost of the project: Rs 20,000 crores
• Total length of the project: 464.662 km
• Lanes: 6
• Completion deadline: 2025
• Owner: NHAI
• Project model: Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM)

9. Bundelkhand Expressway 

Bundelkhand Expressway is a four-lane expressway that connects Gonda village to Kudrail village in Etawah. It aims to connect Bundelkhand with Delhi NCR through the Yamuna expressway. It is an access-controlled expressway that runs for 296 km, and the estimated project cost is Rs 14,716 crores.

• Total cost of project: Rs 14,716 crores
• Total length of project: 296.070 km
• Lanes: 4, can be expanded to 6
• Completion deadline: 2022

10. Purvanchal Expressway

The Purvanchal Expressway, spanning 343 km, commences at Chand Sarai village in Lucknow and concludes at Ghazipur. Encompassing key districts such as Barabanki, Amethi, Sultanpur, Ayodhya, Mau, and Ambedkarnagar, this expressway plays a pivotal role in enhancing connectivity. Additionally, it serves to bolster religious tourism in cities like Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Gorakhpur.

• Total cost of the project: Rs 22,496 crores
• Total length of the project: 340.824 km
• Lanes: 6
• Completion deadline: 2021 (delayed)
• Project model: Engineering, procurement and construction

Other Upcoming Expressways in India

Amas- Darbhanga Expressway- A Four-Lane Expressway

The Amas-Darbhanga Expressway, also recognized as the Gaya-Darbhanga Expressway, spans a length of 230 km, linking Gaya to Darbhanga. It is anticipated that the foundation stone for this expressway will be laid in the New Year of 2024. Encompassing seven districts, namely Aurangabad, Gaya, Nalanda, Jehanabad, Patna, Vaishali, Samastipur, and Darbhanga, the expressway's Detailed Project Report (DPR) has already been prepared by SA Infrastructure Consultants Pvt. Ltd, and the land acquisition process commenced in 2020. Key features include: 

• The starting point of the expressway is Amas village in the Gaya district, and the end point is Bela Nawada village in the Darbhanga district.
• The expected cost of the project is Rs 5000 crore.
• Four expressway lanes are proposed but can be expanded to six later.
• The current status is that the land acquisition is in the last stages, and the bidding process will start soon. 
• Amas Darbhanga expressway will constructed in four packages.

Faridabad- Jewar Airport Expressway

A forthcoming greenfield expressway linking Faridabad to Jewar Airport is slated for completion by June 2025. Stretching over 31.4 km, it will initiate from Sector 65 in Faridabad and conclude at Noida International Airport in Jewar. The Faridabad-Jewar Airport Expressway will seamlessly connect to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and the Delhi-Mumbai link road through the KMP expressway. Of the total length, seven kilometers fall within Uttar Pradesh, while the remaining 24 km is situated in Faridabad, Haryana, covering 12 villages in the Faridabad region.

• Currently, the distance between both cities is 90 km, and once the expressway is operational, it will be reduced to 34 km. 

• The travel time will be reduced to 15-30 minutes from one hour. 

• An interchange is being constructed to connect Jewar Airport Highway with the KGP expressway. The entry/exit ramps are being constructed on the Mohana-Baghpur-Falaida Road near Haryana and UP border. 

Noida-Greater Noida Expressway

A new expressway linking Noida and Greater Noida, situated between Sector 94 and Sector 135, is in the pipeline. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is tasked with the construction of this expressway. Noida's authority has been assigned the responsibility of preparing the feasibility report, prompting a recent technical inspection of the site by the Noida authority and the irrigation department.

Initially considering an expansion of the existing expressway, the Noida authority abandoned the plan due to a lack of feasibility. Instead, there are plans to commence the construction of an elevated road near Sector 94 Pushta Road. While the project cost remains undisclosed, funding from the central government is expected to contribute, given the substantial financial requirements for the construction.

Need of Noida-Greater Noida Expressway

Many new developers have come up in this area, and real estate has been booming; therefore, traffic is increasing every day. Traffic and the increasing population in these areas have created the need for a new expressway.

Conclusion: Upcoming Expressways in India

The majority of these expressways surpass the existing record held by the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, currently the longest. These ambitious projects are poised to elevate India's road network to potentially claim the top spot globally or secure a prominent second position. Moreover, these initiatives are expected to contribute significantly to the country's economic growth. The implementation of these expressways will substantially decrease both distance and travel time. Wishing you a safe and seamless road journey!

Also Read: List of Best Residential Projects on Dwarka Expressway: Aquireacres