India unveils first stage of longest expressway connecting Delhi and Mumbai

India has unveiled the first stage of its longest expressway, linking the bustling cities of New Delhi and Mumbai. The $13 billion project promises to significantly reduce the travel time between the two cities to just 12 hours, a significant improvement from the current roadway. The first stage of the expressway spans 246 km and connects New Delhi to the tourist hub of Jaipur.

The opening ceremony was graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who also inaugurated four other projects worth over INR 18,000 crore. 

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During his speech, Modi emphasised the importance of the government's investment in highways, ports, railways, and other infrastructure projects in boosting the country's growth rate and creating jobs. He also mentioned that rural "haats" near the expressway will be developed, to provide local artisans a platform to sell their wares.

The expressway will be of great benefit to not only the bustling cities of Jaipur and Ajmer but also to the Sariska National Park, Keoladeo National Park, and Ranthambore National Park. The opening ceremony was attended by Nitin Gadkari (Union Road Transport and Highways Minister), Union MoS VK Singh, and other prominent leaders.

#Delhi_Mumbai_Expressway#BuildingTheNation #PragatiKaHighway #GatiShakti pic.twitter.com/RNCaDEfG1W

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) February 13, 2023

In the coming months, PM Modi is expected to inaugurate tens of major railways, highways, expressways, and port projects. India has a vast rail network, but much of it is also outdated and in dire need of investment. The country's first high-speed rail line, funded by Japan, is under construction, but has faced challenges such as land acquisition and bureaucratic issues.

The expressway will not only reduce the travel distance between Delhi and Mumbai by 12%, but it will also cut travel time by 50% between Delhi and Jaipur. The expressway will traverse through several states, including Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, connecting cities such as Indore, Jaipur, Vadodara, Bhopal, Kota, and Surat.