Ahmedabad: Motorists travelling between Ahmedabad and Bhavnagar have started using the newly constructed Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway even though the corridor has not been formally inaugurated or notified open for public traffic. Commuters report that stretches of the new NE-8 and NH-751 route are accessible and allow faster travel via Dholera, reducing journey time to 2 to 2.5 hours compared to the earlier 4-5 hours on the old route. Drivers who have travelled on the route say the road surface is complete, lighting is functional, and multiple interchanges including Sindhrej, Vejalka, Pipli, and Ambli, appear operational.

Users confirm travel experience online

In a conversation on Reddit, when a user asked, “Is the Ahmedabad–Bhavnagar Expressway (via Dholera) fully operational now? If anyone has recently travelled on that route, how’s the road condition and connectivity?” another user confirmed that the route is already in use. One user wrote, “It is operational. Roads are super.”

Fast travel but no services available

While praising the speed and quality of the drive, another traveller noted that essential services remain largely absent. “I took the expressway today from Ahmedabad to Palitana. The full expressway from Ahmedabad to Dholera is operational. I would highly recommend this route. There are no services like petrol stations, restaurants, etc.,” he wrote. Travellers are advised to refuel in Ahmedabad or Bhavnagar, as petrol pumps and eateries are limited and often require exiting the expressway.

Night travel visible on social media

Some social media reels shared by netizens show that the expressway is also being used at night, with well-placed signboards helping commuters travelling in the dark.

Officially unopened; no toll collection yet

However, the expressway remains officially unopened. There is no toll collection yet, and authorities have issued no formal statement on the expressway’s current status. Reports suggest that access is inconsistent, with some stretches open while others are suddenly closed amid finishing work or teething issues, particularly around the Pipli and Vejalka interchanges. This has forced vehicles to turn back or take detours, as reported last month.

Users travelling unofficially have raised concerns that the impromptu closures require proper signage and notices to reduce the risk of confusion and accidents. One commuter remarked that the administration “opens and closes” sections without notice, saying the road should be either fully opened or officially closed instead of the current ad-hoc access.

Construction complete but finishing work remains

The expressway is designed to connect Ahmedabad with Dholera Smart City, the upcoming Dholera International Airport, and further to Bhavnagar. Ground reports indicate major construction is complete, but finishing work at some sections, particularly those completed after the monsoon, is still in progress and expected to be completed soon.

High speed limit and reduced travel time

As per signage boards, four-wheelers have a speed limit of 120 kmph. This makes travel from Ahmedabad to Dholera nearly 50 minutes, and the onward journey to Bhavnagar takes a total of around 2.5 hours or slightly more.

Opening expected soon

For now, the route remains unofficially used, offering shorter travel time but without full safety or service facilities. The government has yet to announce an opening date, though reports suggest the expressway might open this month itself. DeshGujarat