Gurugram to Vadodara in 10 Hours? This new tunnel on Delhi-Mumbai Expressway to make it possible soon

The road travel time between Gurugram and Vadodara is set to drop from over 20 hours to just around 10 hours with the nearing completion of a tunnel in Kota on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. The Dausa to Kota stretch, which includes the tunnel entrance, is already operational, making way for faster connectivity through Rajasthan.

Delhi-Mumbai Expressway: Final phase of tunnel construction underway

The 4-km-long tunnel near Mukundra Hills is in its final stage of construction. It is part of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway project designed to navigate the hilly terrain near Kota. Once completed, the tunnel will improve road access through central India, connecting northern and western regions more efficiently.

Expressway spans 1,380 km, major sections open

The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is India’s longest, with a planned total length of 1,386 km. Built at a cost of ₹95,000 crore, it is an eight-lane, access-controlled corridor designed for high-speed travel. Most of the expressway is already operational, including the Gurugram-to-Dausa stretch, which has reduced travel time between Delhi NCR and eastern Rajasthan.

Direct route from Rajasthan to Gujarat

From Dausa, the expressway runs through Rajasthan to Kota and then moves onward toward Gujarat. After passing the tunnel, it connects directly to Vadodara, a key city before entering Maharashtra. Officials say the expressway is expected to be fully completed by October 2025.

Designed for high-speed and future growth

Vehicles on the expressway can travel at speeds of up to 120 kmph. A 21-meter-wide median allows future expansion from eight lanes to twelve without disrupting existing lanes. Officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) describe it as one of the most advanced roadways in the world.

Focus on sustainability and ecology

The project includes wildlife-friendly tunnels and eco-sensitive infrastructure. In areas like the Mukundra Tiger Reserve, the construction has taken steps to reduce ecological impact. This focus on sustainability aims to balance infrastructure development with environmental protection.