Longest Expressway in India
India’s rapid infrastructural growth has given rise to a network of expressways that are not only engineering marvels but also vital arteries for the nation’s economy. Among these, the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway holds the title of the longest expressway in India, symbolizing a significant leap in connectivity and efficiency.
Overview of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway
Stretching approximately 1,386 kilometers, the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway is an ambitious project aimed at reducing travel time between two of India’s most important cities.
- It spans six states: Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
- Designed for speeds up to 120 km/h, it significantly cuts the current travel time of around 24 hours to about 12 hours.
The expressway is a part of the larger Bharatmala Pariyojana, a government initiative to enhance road connectivity across the country.
Key Features of the Expressway
The Delhi–Mumbai Expressway is built with several state-of-the-art features that set new standards in road infrastructure.
- It incorporates eight lanes, with the provision for expansion to twelve lanes in the future.
- It is the first expressway in India to have dedicated wildlife crossings and animal overpasses to protect biodiversity.
Additionally, the expressway uses intelligent transport systems (ITS) to ensure safety, efficient traffic management, and real-time monitoring.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The expressway is expected to catalyze economic growth by improving trade and logistics between the north and west regions of India.
- It will help reduce fuel consumption by cutting down on congestion and travel time.
- Multiple logistics hubs and industrial clusters are planned along the corridor, boosting employment and local industries.
Environmentally, it promotes the use of solar energy for lighting and rainwater harvesting systems along its route, making it a model for sustainable infrastructure.
List of 10 Long Expressways in India
India is home to several long expressways that are transforming transportation and boosting regional economies.
1. Delhi–Mumbai Expressway
- Length: 1,386 km
- States Covered: Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra
- Note: Longest expressway under construction.
2. Purvanchal Expressway
- Length: 340 km
- State: Uttar Pradesh
- Note: Connects Lucknow to Ghazipur, boosting eastern UP development.
3. Agra–Lucknow Expressway
- Length: 302 km
- State: Uttar Pradesh
- Note: India’s first expressway with an emergency airstrip.
4. Bundelkhand Expressway
- Length: 296 km
- State: Uttar Pradesh
- Note: Supports industrial development in Bundelkhand region.
5. Yamuna Expressway
- Length: 165 km
- State: Uttar Pradesh
- Note: Connects Greater Noida to Agra, known for high-speed travel.
6. Mumbai–Pune Expressway
- Length: 94.5 km
- State: Maharashtra
- Note: India’s first six-lane, concrete, access-controlled expressway.
7. Eastern Peripheral Expressway
- Length: 135 km
- States: Haryana, Uttar Pradesh
- Note: Bypasses Delhi to reduce city congestion.
8. Western Peripheral Expressway (KMP Expressway)
- Length: 135 km
- State: Haryana
- Note: Complements Eastern Peripheral Expressway around Delhi.
9. Ganga Expressway (Under Construction)
- Length: 594 km
- State: Uttar Pradesh
- Note: Will connect Meerut to Prayagraj; once complete, among India’s longest.
10. Bangalore–Chennai Expressway (Under Construction)
- Length: 262 km
- States: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
- Note: Will significantly reduce travel time between Bangalore and Chennai.
The Delhi–Mumbai Expressway is not merely a road connecting two major cities but a transformative project reshaping the future of Indian transportation.
- It showcases India’s commitment to modern infrastructure.
- It is expected to inspire similar mega projects that prioritize both development and environmental stewardship.
