The crucial Ankleshwar–Kim section of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, the only long-pending link in the larger Vadodara–Surat stretch, is now in its final stages of completion. Fresh on-ground visuals indicate that the last remaining obstacles are finally being addressed.

This 25-km stretch, known as Package-5 (Vadodara–Virar corridor), has long been a bottleneck preventing seamless travel between South and Central Gujarat. While Packages 1–4 and 6 are already operational, this portion had lagged behind its scheduled timeline for months.

Work Gains Momentum; January 2026 Target in Sight

During the last review, progress on major bottlenecks was limited. However, the latest visuals show rapid development, suggesting that the highway could open by early 2026 if the current pace continues.

Most parts of the alignment now have Pavement Quality Concrete (PQC) layers completed, crash barriers installed, and plantation work underway. Several sections appear fully finished from surface to signage, allowing some vehicles to use them intermittently.

The Kim Interchange, a key node toward Surat, is also fully ready, with all entry and exit ramps operational.

Power Line Poles — The Final Hurdle

The only major obstacle remaining is the presence of high-tension electric poles along the expressway alignment.

According to the latest visuals, pole-shifting work has begun at two locations, with foundations prepared and new poles being erected. Only one location remains where no shifting has started.

For months, the lack of shutdown clearances from the Ministry of Power had stalled progress. With permissions now granted, agencies can relocate the poles, allowing backfilling and final road finishing to be completed swiftly.

Bridges, Canal Crossings, and ROBs Completed

Other earlier bottlenecks have been resolved:

• • The canal-bridge structure over the Narmada Canal, a few kilometers from Ankleshwar Hansot Road, is now complete, with backfilling in its final stages.

• • The Railway Overbridge near Kosamba, which required coordination with Western Railway, is structurally finished. Only minor earthwork remains before smooth traffic flow is possible.

• • Remaining isolated work is mostly limited to PQC laying, crash barriers, or plantation.

Contractor Change Boosts Progress

Package-5, initially managed by Sadbhav Engineering, had been running behind schedule. To accelerate work, the remaining tasks were subcontracted to Gawar–Kim Expressway Pvt Ltd, which has pushed progress even during the monsoon months. Local assessments now estimate overall completion at over 95%.

What This Means for Travelers

Once Package-5 opens, the entire Vadodara–Surat expressway corridor will be fully operational. Since Packages 1–4 and 6 are already functional, the new stretch will:

• – Enable direct expressway travel from Ahmedabad to Vadodara

• – Cut travel time significantly between Gujarat’s industrial belts

• – Smoothen logistics movement across Bharuch, Ankleshwar, and Surat

With pole-shifting underway and structural works nearly finished, the final hurdle is close to being cleared. If the current pace continues, the Ankleshwar–Kim section could meet its revised early-2026 opening target, marking a major milestone for the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway in Gujarat. DeshGujarat