Highways in the recent past within the India transport system have acted as major transport highways by enhancing the Nation’s infrastructure. These strategic assets are built for expressways to enhance the speed and effectiveness in transporting both the goods and people and as such boost economic growth and development. Let’s discuss expressways in India.
The Evolution of Expressways in India
The history of expressways of India started during the early 2000, with the initiation of Golden Quadrilateral Project, which connect the major destinations like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata etc. This grand plan laid down the architectural structure for transport arteries aimed at serving the need for increased linkages and shorter travelling time. At the present time, the expressway network covers the area of more than 2000 kilometer and still expands to satisfy the needs for efficient transport.
Key Features of Expressways
High-Speed Travel: Expressways for example are characterized by almost zero interconnects and mostly limited access allowing vehicles to speed up to 100km/h thus easing transport between cities.
Safety Measures: Others include median barriers, specially designed entry and exit ramps and good signs; expressways are built to offer safe roads reduced incidences of accidents.
Advanced Technology: To ensure a smooth ride, the majority feature clever facilities such smart toll systems for drivers and enhanced traffic information systems.
How Many Expressways are there in India?
There will be 44 expressways in the nation by 2024, of which 36 are currently being built and five have already been finished in various stages, totaling around 5930 km in length. Of those, about 11127 km are currently being built.
Table Form: Expressways in India
| Expressway | Length (km) | Route | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamuna Expressway | 165 | Greater Noida to Agra | Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) |
| Mumbai-Pune Expressway | 94.5 | Mumbai to Pune | MSRDC (Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation) |
| Kolkata-Delhi Expressway | 1,650 (planned) | Kolkata to Delhi | NHAI |
| Chennai-Bangalore Expressway | 262 (under construction) | Chennai to Bangalore | NHAI |
| Delhi-Meerut Expressway | 96 | Delhi to Meerut | NHAI |
| Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway | 1,316 | Amritsar to Jamnagar | NHAI |
| Purvanchal Expressway | 340 | Lucknow to Ghazipur | UPEIDA |
| Ganga Expressway | 594 (planned) | Meerut to Prayagraj and Varanasi | UPEIDA |
| Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway | 93 | Ahmedabad to Vadodara | NHAI |
| Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway | 63 (planned) | Lucknow to Kanpur | NHAI |
| Hyderabad ORR | 158 | Outer Ring Road around Hyderabad | HMDA (Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority) |
| Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway | 701 | Mumbai to Nagpur | MSRDC |
| Western Peripheral Expressway | 135 | Ring road around Delhi (Kundli-Manesar-Palwal) | HSIIDC |
| Eastern Peripheral Expressway | 135 | Bypasses Delhi | NHAI |
| Agra-Lucknow Expressway | 302 | Agra to Lucknow | UPEIDA |
| Bangalore-Mysore Expressway | 118 (under construction) | Bangalore to Mysore | NHAI |
| Delhi-Mumbai Expressway | 1,386 | Delhi to Mumbai | NHAI |
| Dwarka Expressway | 29 | Delhi to Gurgaon | NHAI |
| Noida-Greater Noida Expressway | 24.53 | Noida to Greater Noida | Noida Authority |
| Mumbai-Goa Expressway | 471 (planned) | Mumbai to Goa | NHAI |
| Bundelkhand Expressway | 296 | Chitrakoot to Etawah | UPEIDA |
| Bharatmala Pariyojana Expressway | 34,800 (planned) | Various across India | NHAI |
| Jaipur Ring Road Expressway | 150 | Encircles Jaipur | NHAI |
| Surat-Dahisar Expressway | 200 (planned) | Surat to Dahisar | NHAI |
| Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway | 109 | Ahmedabad to Dholera | NHAI |
| Kundli-Ghaziabad-Palwal (KGP) Expressway | 135 | Haryana (Kundli-Manesar-Palwal) | NHAI |
| Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway | 354 (under construction) | Vadodara to Mumbai | NHAI |
| Raipur-Vishakhapatnam Expressway | 464 | Raipur to Vishakhapatnam | NHAI |
| Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Expressway | 250 (planned) | Udhampur to Baramulla | NHAI |
Notable Expressways in India
Delhi-Mumbai Expressway
Among the most ambitious this expressway is expected to significantly reduce the time between the two major cities from over 24 hours down to about 12 hours. Some of the facilities include; Exclusive Truck Lanes and Services. It is one of the famous expressways in India.
- Length: 1,386 km
- Route: Connects Delhi to Mumbai
- Speed and Efficiency: Travel between Delhi and Mumbai in just 12 hours!
- Total Cost: ₹1 lakh crore
- Lanes: 8 lanes (expandable to 12)
- Authority: NHAI (National Highways Authority of India)
- Completion Deadline: Expected in 2024
- Smart Technology: Facilitated with state of art traffic management and toll facilities to make your journey trouble-free.
2. Yamuna Expressway
This expressway links Delhi to Agra and besides aiding tourists to access Taj Mahal has boosted development of property in the area thus becoming an investment hub.
- Length: 165 km
- Route: Connects Greater Noida to Agra, improving access to the Taj Mahal and other tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh.
- Total Cost: ₹12,839 crore
- Lanes: 6 lanes (expandable to 8)
- Authority: Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA)
- Completion: Completed in 2012
- Scenic Route: Beautiful sceneries should be seen while on a moving vehicle to add value to the trip made.
3. Mumbai-Pune Expressway
It was the first ever concrete six-lane express highway in India and still serves as a trade and tourist route providing good vistas and connecting two important zones of productivity.
- Length: 94.5 km
- Route: Connects Mumbai and Pune, offering a vital link between two major economic and cultural hubs in Maharashtra.
- Total Cost: ₹1,630 crore
- Lanes: 6 lanes
- Authority: MSRDC (Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation)
- Completion: Completed in 2002
- Scenic Journey: Most of the route passes through the beautiful Western Ghats making the drive a visual treat.
4. Kolkata-Delhi Expressway (Under Construction)
This is a major Functional expressway that stretches from the Eastern to the Northern region of India and mainly addresses issues of transportation of goods and services since it minimizes time taken on the road.
- Length: Approximately 1,650 km
- Route: Will connect Kolkata (West Bengal) and Delhi, significantly reducing travel time and facilitating trade between the eastern and northern regions of India.
- Total Cost: ₹50,000 crore (estimated)
- Lanes: 8 lanes
- Authority: NHAI
- Completion Deadline: Expected by 2026 (tentative)
- Time Efficiency: Cuts down on one’s travelling distance and hence makes the whole organization and coordination of transport easier and faster.
5. Chennai-Bangalore Expressway
This expressway helps develop better relations between two large cities by providing easy access to job and business markets for people as well as vehicles. It is an important channel for both IT and Manufacturing industries.
- Length: 262 km
- Route: Will connect Chennai (Tamil Nadu) and Bangalore (Karnataka), improving connectivity between two major metropolitan cities in South India.
- Total Cost: ₹17,000 crore
- Lanes: 4 lanes (expandable to 6)
- Authority: NHAI
- Completion Deadline: Expected in 2025
6. Agra-Lucknow Expressway
The shown expressway has enhanced the mobilization efficiency in Uttar Pradesh especially between major cities as well as boosted economic activities in the region. Therefore, the design feature of this concept includes several service areas and safety measures.
- Length: 302 km
- Route: Connects Agra to Lucknow, improving connectivity within Uttar Pradesh.
- Total Cost: ₹13,200 crore
- Lanes: 6 lanes
- Authority: UPEIDA (Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority)
- Completion: Completed in 2016
- Safety Features: Equipped with different safety features that make it safe for both group and individual travelers, business incorporated and otherwise.
7. Eastern Peripheral Expressway
Designed to decongest traffic around Delhi, this expressway acts as a bypass for vehicles, reducing pollution and travel times for those not needing to enter the capital city.
- Length: 135 km
- Route: Bypasses Delhi, linking Sonipat, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Palwal.
- Total Cost: ₹11,000 crore
- Lanes: 6 lanes
- Authority: NHAI
- Completion: Completed in 2018
- Efficient Bypass: Acts as a bypass for vehicles not needing to enter the capital, streamlining travel routes.
- Time Saver: Significantly cuts down travel times for commuters, enhancing overall road efficiency.
8. Delhi-Meerut Expressway
The Delhi-Meerut Expressway is a transformative infrastructure project that significantly enhances connectivity between Delhi and Meerut. This expressway is pivotal for easing the daily commute for thousands of passengers and facilitating efficient trade.
- Length: 96 km
- Route: Connects Delhi with Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, passing through Ghaziabad.
- Total Cost: ₹8,346 crore
- Lanes: 14 lanes (in parts)
- Authority: NHAI
- Completion: Completed in 2021
- Widest Expressway: Features a 14-lane section, making it one of the widest expressways of India, equipped with pedestrian pathways and cycle tracks for enhanced safety.
9. Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway
The Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway is a crucial infrastructure development that enhances connectivity between Maharashtra’s two major cities. It provides a direct route for trade and transportation, facilitating the movement of goods and services while supporting regional commerce.
- Length: 701 km
- Route: Connects Mumbai to Nagpur, passing through 10 districts of Maharashtra.
- Total Cost: ₹55,000 crore
- Lanes: 6 lanes
- Authority: MSRDC
- Completion Deadline: Expected by 2024
- Trade Facilitation: Enhances the movement of goods and services, supporting regional commerce.
10. Western Peripheral Expressway
The Western Peripheral Expressway (Kundli-Manesar-Palwal Expressway) plays a crucial role in managing traffic around Delhi, acting as a vital ring road that helps divert heavy vehicular flow away from the capital.
- Length: 135 km
- Route: Forms a semi-circular ring road around Delhi, connecting Kundli, Manesar, and Palwal in Haryana.
- Total Cost: ₹6,400 crore
- Lanes: 6 lanes
- Authority: Haryana State Industrial & Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC)
- Completion: Completed in 2018
- Economic Development: Facilitates quicker access to surrounding industrial hubs and commercial areas, promoting economic activity.
11. Purvanchal Expressway
- Length: 165 km
- Route: Connects Greater Noida with Agra, enhancing connectivity to the Taj Mahal.
- Connecting Regions: Links eastern UP to major cities, enhancing connectivity and reducing travel time.
- Total Cost: ₹22,500 crore
- Lanes: 6 lanes
- Authority: UPEIDA
- Completion: Completed in 2021
- Safety Features: Designed with various safety measures and service areas for travelers
12. Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway
- Length: 1,316 km
- Route: Connects Amritsar in Punjab to Jamnagar in Gujarat, passing through multiple states like Haryana and Rajasthan.
- Total Cost: ₹80,000 crore
- Lanes: 6 lanes
- Authority: NHAI
- Completion Deadline: Expected by 2026
- Infrastructure Development: Designed to accommodate high-speed traffic while ensuring safety and efficiency.
13. Bangalore-Chennai Expressway
- Length: 262 km (under construction)
- Route: Will connect Bangalore, Karnataka to Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
- Total Cost: ₹17,000 crore
- Lanes: 4 lanes (expandable to 6)
- Authority: NHAI
- Completion Deadline: Expected in 2025
- Safety Features: Designed with safety and convenience in mind, the expressway will have dedicated lanes and modern amenities for drivers.
14. Ganga Expressway
- Length: 594 km
- Route: Spans across Uttar Pradesh, linking Meerut, Prayagraj, and Varanasi.
- Total Cost: ₹36,230 crore
- Lanes: 6 lanes (expandable to 8)
- Authority: UPEIDA
- Completion Deadline: Expected by 2025
- Economic Benefits: Expected to boost the agricultural, tourism, and industrial sectors along its route, contributing to regional growth and development.
15. Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway
- Length: 93 km
- Route: Connects Ahmedabad and Vadodara in Gujarat.
- Total Cost: ₹1,640 crore
- Lanes: 4 lanes (expandable to 6)
- Authority: NHAI
- Completion: Completed in 2004
- Safety: Known for its high safety standards, it features controlled access and well-maintained roads.
16. Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway
- Length: 63 km (planned)
- Route: Will link the two major cities of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow and Kanpur.
- Total Cost: ₹4,700 crore (estimated)
- Lanes: 6 lanes
- Authority: NHAI
- Completion Deadline: Expected by 2025
- Modern Infrastructure: Equipped with service roads, toll plazas, and safety measures for smooth and secure travel.
17. Hyderabad ORR (Outer Ring Road)
- Length: 158 km
- Route: Serves as a bypass for Hyderabad, encircling the city.
- Total Cost: ₹6,696 crore
- Lanes: 8 lanes
- Authority: HMDA (Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority)
- Completion: Completed in 2018
- Strategic Importance: The ORR facilitates smooth access to Hyderabad’s IT and business districts, making it a vital infrastructure for the city’s economic development.
18. Bangalore-Mysore Expressway
- Length: 117 km
- Route: Connects Bangalore to Mysore
- Total Cost: ₹8,480 crore
- Lanes: 6 lanes
- Authority: NHAI
- Completion: Completed in 2023
19. Noida-Greater Noida Expressway
- Length: 24.53 km
- Route: Connects Noida to Greater Noida
- Total Cost: ₹400 crore
- Lanes: 6 lanes
- Authority: Noida Authority
- Completion: Completed in 2002
20. Mumbai-Goa Expressway
- Length: 471 km
- Route: Connects Mumbai to Goa along the Konkan coast
- Total Cost: ₹12,000 crore (estimated for upgrades)
- Lanes: 4 lanes (ongoing expansion to 6 lanes)
- Authority: NHAI
- Completion Deadline: Ongoing upgrades, expected by 2024
21. Bundelkhand Expressway
- Length: 296 km
- Route: Connects Chitrakoot to Etawah via Banda, Jalaun
- Total Cost: ₹14,850 crore
- Lanes: 4 lanes (expandable to 6)
- Authority: UPEIDA
- Completion: Completed in 2022
22. Bharatmala Pariyojana Expressway
- Length: Approx. 35,000 km (Phase 1 total)
- Route: Covers pan-India highways to boost freight movement across economic corridors
- Total Cost: ₹5.35 lakh crore (for the entire project)
- Lanes: 4-6 lanes (depending on sections)
- Authority: NHAI
- Completion Deadline: Ongoing, multiple projects expected by 2027
23. Jaipur Ring Road Expressway
- Length: 47 km
- Route: Circular route around Jaipur, connecting major highways
- Total Cost: ₹2,887 crore
- Lanes: 6 lanes
- Authority: NHAI
- Completion: Completed in 2022
24. Surat-Dahisar Expressway (Part of Delhi-Mumbai Expressway)
- Length: Approx. 356 km (part of total 1,386 km for Delhi-Mumbai Expressway)
- Route: Connects Surat to Dahisar (Mumbai)
- Total Cost: ₹60,000 crore (Delhi-Mumbai Expressway total cost)
- Lanes: 8 lanes
- Authority: NHAI
- Completion Deadline: Expected by 2024
25. Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway
- Length: 109 km
- Route: Connects Ahmedabad to Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR)
- Total Cost: ₹4,200 crore
- Lanes: 6 lanes
- Authority: NHAI
- Completion Deadline: Expected by 2024
26. Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway (Part of Delhi-Mumbai Expressway)
- Length: 379 km (Vadodara-Mumbai section)
- Route: Connects Vadodara to Mumbai as part of the larger Delhi-Mumbai Expressway
- Total Cost: ₹45,000 crore (Delhi-Mumbai Expressway total)
- Lanes: 8 lanes
- Authority: NHAI
- Completion Deadline: Expected by 2024
27. Raipur-Vishakhapatnam Expressway
- Length: 464 km
- Route: Connects Raipur to Visakhapatnam via Odisha
- Total Cost: ₹20,000 crore (estimated)
- Lanes: 6 lanes
- Authority: NHAI
- Completion Deadline: Expected by 2025
28. Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Expressway
- Length: 250 km
- Route: Connects Udhampur to Baramulla via Srinagar
- Total Cost: ₹10,721 crore
- Lanes: 4 lanes
- Authority: NHAI
- Completion Deadline: Expected by 2025
Economic Impact of Expressways of India
The best method of looking at the impact the expressway has on the economy of India is its expansion. A reduction in transportation costs helps in better organisation of businesses and hence reduces the costs of most products and services consumed by consumers. Also, the accessibility arising from expressway network facilitates the investment in adjacent areas, including property development, trading and employment opportunities.
Challenges of Expressways in India
However, the construction of expressways also has some issues on its way to success. Some of the challenges include: land ownership, impacts on the environment, and the need always to maintain the tracks for effective use. In addition, with the expansion of population congestion along expressways and other related infrastructure, it is important to provide precise urban planning for subsequent construction.
Conclusion
Since India is still more focused and is putting efforts on building more expressways. These views on connectivity, safety, and economic invisible bond with the expressways will only magnify. These critical networks are creating prospects of a liberal transport system that is changing the dynamic of mobility in the country. Therefore, with active construction and future proposals, expressways in the country can be termed not only as roads, but as the roads to development in India.