Bharuch: The National Highway Authority of India is preparing to commence the Vadodara-to-Bharuch section of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in December of this year.

The construction of the 8-lane Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, with a budget of 1 lakh crore, is in progress. Recent developments indicate that the pending work on the 1.75-kilometre segment within the 13-kilometre portion, under package 4 in Bharuch, has now commenced. This particular section faced delays due to protests from affected individuals. However, after the successful resolution of the issues, construction has resumed, and it is expected to be completed in either October or November.

Out of the total 1380 kilometres of the motorway, 413 kilometres pass through Gujarat. Notably, 11 kilometres of the Bharuch stretch have already been completed, leaving just 2 kilometres pending, which are now under construction.

Currently, the distance between Ahmedabad and Bharuch is 194 kilometres, with 90 kilometres between Ahmedabad and Vadodara. From Vadodara to Bharuch, connected via National Highway-8, the distance is 104 kilometres. The expressway will reduce the Vadodara-to-Bharuch distance to 100 kilometres, saving travellers an additional 4 kilometres. Travel time from Ahmedabad to Bharuch will be reduced to just 1 hour and 45 minutes, compared to the current 2 hours and 40 minutes and the journey from Vadodara to Bharuch is estimated to take only 35 to 40 minutes.

In terms of facilities, the Vadodara-to-Bharuch stretch will offer hi-tech amenities, including information display boards and prompt accident response services. To ensure safety and traffic management, an Automatic Traffic Management System (ATMS) will be implemented along the Bharuch-to-Vadodara section. The unified command center will monitor all activities, with 50-60 CCTV cameras installed at regular intervals.

En-route facilities along the expressway will include a gym, dormitories, electric charging stations, medical clinics for first aid, children’s play areas, village huts serving as markets, separate truck and passenger lanes, proposed air ambulance services at Karmali and Tundi, open gyms, dormitory accommodations, and open restaurants. DeshGujarat