Delhi – Mumbai Expressway: Limkheda – Godhra Stretch Opens on Trial Basis

Dahod: Around 55-kilometre-long stretch of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Gujarat, connecting Limkheda to Godhra, has been unofficially opened for vehicular movement, providing a direct entry point for commuters travelling across Gujarat. The section of the greenfield expressway corridor is currently witnessing active traffic flow, even as minor civil works and security installations are being completed.

The newly opened section, stretching from the Hathidara village interchange in Limkheda to the Godhra interchange, covers Packages 27 and 28 of the expressway project. Package 27 covers a 29-km stretch, while Package 28 accounts for 26 km. Developed by GHV India Private Limited, the combined construction cost of the two packages is estimated at ₹264 crore.

While vehicles are actively using the route, the toll plaza at Limkheda remains temporarily non-operational. However, toll charges for the Limkheda-Godhra stretch are currently being collected at the Godhra toll plaza. The Limkheda toll facility is expected to become operational soon, with installation work for CCTV cameras, server systems and heavy electricity poles currently underway.

Safety Hazards and Local Violations

A ground report by YouTube channel Dahod Live highlighted several safety and regulatory concerns along the newly opened corridor. Although two-wheelers, three-wheelers and pedestrians are officially prohibited from using the high-speed expressway, several bikes and auto-rickshaws were spotted travelling on the route. Stray cattle were also seen wandering onto the expressway lanes, posing a serious risk to fast-moving vehicles.

Adding to the safety concerns, local youths were seen stopping their vehicles in the middle of the high-speed lanes to record social media videos and take photographs, despite vehicles travelling at speeds of up to the permitted limit of 120 km/h.

Landslide Precautions and Diversions

Commuters also need to navigate a crucial diversion near the Piplod hill area. During the construction phase, this hilly section witnessed three to four landslide incidents. To prevent future mishaps, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the construction company are reinforcing the hill slopes with protective wire netting.

Work on one side has been completed, while construction continues on the remaining portion. As a result, a temporary diversion is in place, with two-way traffic being routed through one side of the highway.

Travel Advisory for Commuters

As the stretch has been unofficially opened on a trial basis, it currently has no public amenities, fuel stations, food outlets or mechanical repair facilities. Commuters are therefore advised to carry a puncture repair kit and a functional spare wheel, along with sufficient food and water. They should also check their vehicle’s fuel level before starting the journey.

Route Connectivity and Pending Bottleneck

With the opening of this section, commuters can now travel on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway from Kharel in Navsari to Limkheda in Dahod.

However, those travelling further towards Delhi currently have to exit the expressway at Limkheda, take the alternative Indore-Betul four-lane highway and re-enter the expressway at the Jhabua-Timrawani interchange in Madhya Pradesh.

The primary bottleneck preventing seamless, non-stop travel between South Gujarat and Delhi is Package 26, connecting Limkheda with the Madhya Pradesh border. The package has faced delays due to various local challenges.

The critical package is expected to be completed and made operational within the next two to three months. Once completed, it will enable a fully continuous, high-speed expressway journey from South Gujarat towards the national capital. DeshGujarat