The promised nonstop drive between Delhi and Mumbai may not become possible until December 2029, according to the latest project timeline. The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is running more than five years behind its original deadline. The delay is largely linked to unfinished sections in Gujarat, where construction work on three packages has yet to begin.
NHAI had to invite fresh bids for package 8 after the last successful bidder, Bansal Construction Works, did not sign the Letter of Acceptance. The company forfeited its bid security of Rs 15 crore without giving a reason, according to the report. The development added another hurdle to the completion of the delayed expressway sections.
These two sections are expected to be ready by April 2027, according to people involved in the project. The government had promised that the expressway would halve travel time between Delhi and Mumbai to around 12 hours. Apart from the three delayed Gujarat packages, one stretch each in Maharashtra and Rajasthan is yet to be completed.
People aware of the development said the company had submitted a bid for package 9. Roadways Solutions India Infra Ltd (RSIIL), whose contracts for the three Gujarat packages were terminated, has been blacklisted by NHAI from bidding for projects following non-performance. the Delhi High Court has allowed the authority to evaluate the bids, with the matter scheduled for another hearing next week Although RSIIL has challenged NHAI’s eligibility criteria in court.