Dahod: The incomplete Package 26 of the Delhi–Vadodara section of the Delhi–Mumbai Greenfield Expressway has emerged as one of the final hurdles delaying the full opening of the Delhi–Vadodara corridor, making it unlikely that the previously indicated May 2026 timeline will be met. Spanning approximately 30 kilometers, this segment stretches from the Madhya Pradesh border to Bhimpura village in Dahod and is being developed by a joint venture between Atlas Constructions Pvt. Ltd. and NKC.

While the expressway is already operational in Gujarat from Navsari to Godhra via Vadodara, Package 26 remains the primary missing link. Once this package and the Mukundara tunnels in Rajasthan are completed, travelers will be able to enjoy uninterrupted travel from Navsari in Gujarat all the way to Delhi.

Engineering Challenges and Milestones

The development of Package 26 has been challenging due to the rugged terrain, because of which several underpasses and flyovers are being constructed within the package. According to an on-ground report by a YouTube vlogger, bitumen-laying work is being carried out at several locations, along with the construction of underpasses and bridge structures.

One of the key works within the package is the construction of the Limdi Interchange near NH-56. This highly advanced “Trumpet”-style interchange is designed to maximize efficiency in a compact space and features a complex system of loops and flyovers. While the toll plazas were completed some time ago, workers are currently launching I-girders to finalize the structure.

After this, the Hathiyavan Mountain Cut is considered one of the most difficult sections of the entire Delhi–Vadodara stretch. According to the ground report, extensive mountain-cutting work is currently underway, with the carriageway to be built significantly below the original mountain surface. In a sustainable initiative, rocks extracted from the mountains are being crushed on-site and used to produce concrete required for the road project.

Further ahead, near the Bhimpura endpoint, a 600- to 700-meter-long viaduct is nearing completion, with lane markings already visible on certain sections.

Meanwhile, unlike previous delays near Ankleshwar caused by utility issues, electrical pole-shifting work for Package 26 is already underway to prevent construction bottlenecks.

Current Status and Estimated Timeline

Work is progressing at varying stages across the 30-km stretch. While some sections already feature bituminous layers and lane markings, other areas are still undergoing earthwork and soil stabilization.

Given the current pace and the remaining technical work in the mountainous regions, it is estimated that the package may take approximately six to seven more months to become fully operational. This indicates that the earlier timeline of May 2026, mentioned by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in a Lok Sabha reply, is unlikely to be met. DeshGujarat