Dwarka Expressway: Decade-long wait may end next week. Here is the latest update on inauguration

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to kickstart the inauguration of the Dwarka Expressway’s city section on March 11, Union minister and MP Rao Inderjit Singh announced. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also likely to organise a road show originating from Delhi on the day. While Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar also confirmed the inauguration at an event on Saturday, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has refrained from disclosing the expressway’s precise opening date. Nonetheless, NHAI authorities affirmed that final preparations are underway before the formal commencement of the expressway, a TOI report stated.

The 29-kilometer-long Dwarka Expressway commences close to Shiv Murti on NH-8 (Delhi-Jaipur-Mumbai highway) and concludes near the Kherki Daula Toll Plaza in Gurugram, traversing through Dwarka Sector 21 and the border area of Gurugram and Basai village.

PM Modi's impending visit to Haryana, the second in a month, is poised to introduce development projects worth crores. "The completion of the expressway will not only bolster road infrastructure in the city but also highlight development across the entire NCR, thereby benefiting residents," expressed the Gurgaon MP.


NHAI officials clarified that while the Gurgaon section of the Dwarka Expressway stands ready, the final date for inauguration is pending confirmation from the Prime Minister’s Office. Efforts are directed towards completing beautification and maintenance works. Enhancements include the installation of tricolour lights on poles to improve visibility and the ambiance along the expressway.

The district administration is gearing up for the inauguration with recent visits by the deputy commissioner and commissioner of police to inspect the expressway.

The construction of the 18.7km stretch of the expressway in Gurgaon concluded last year; however, it remained closed to traffic pending a safety audit by NHAI. The remaining 10km stretch in Delhi is expected to take an additional five to six months to complete.

Once operational, the expressway will significantly improve connectivity and accessibility for residents, intersecting key areas such as Harsaru, Pataudi Road, Farrukhnagar, and Sector 88(B). It will link several sectors in the city, facilitating smoother travel between Delhi, Gurgaon, and the proposed Global City with Dwarka Sector 21 and Indira Gandhi International airport.

Local residents eagerly anticipate the opening, with expectations of reduced travel time and boosted development in the new sectors. Harish Yadav, a resident of Palm Gardens in Sector 83, emphasized the long-overdue benefits the expressway will bring. "Once operational, it will not only cut travel time between Delhi and Gurgaon but also spur development in these sectors," he commented.

Upon completion, the Dwarka Expressway aims to alleviate congestion on NH-8 and provide an alternative route for commuters traveling between Delhi and Gurgaon.