Surat: The Kim–Ankleshwar stretch, i.e. Package-5 of the Vadodara–Virar section of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, which was slated to be opened to the public on December 31, has been delayed once again and may now open ahead of Uttarayan.

Ahead of the final opening, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) conducted inspections of the road stretch between Dahegam and Kim on December 30 and 31. Officials said the opening was deferred on December 31 as road marking work, along with the installation of safety boards and traffic signage, is still pending.

Although the cement concrete work on the stretch has been completed, finishing works are underway and are expected to be completed within a week, after which the expressway is likely to be opened up to Kim.

Given the ongoing work, authorities said it would not be advisable to allow vehicular movement at present, as around 300 workers are deployed across the nearly 30-km stretch. According to sources, teams have been pressed into service to complete road marking work at a rapid pace. For safety and speedy execution, NHAI has deployed around 10 boomers, 25 JCB machines, and 11 Hitachi machines, with work continuing round the clock.

Meanwhile, Bharuch NHAI Project Director S.K. Yadav said that while the cement concrete work has been completed, a few locations between Kim and Dahegam showed minor strength-related issues, which are being addressed. “The entire road is ready, barring one or two spots. Once these are resolved, the stretch will be opened for traffic shortly,” he said.

Furthermore, as reported earlier, when the package opens, it may initially be opened only on one side of the carriageway, as the work of shifting a high-tension power pole located in the middle of the expressway alignment is still pending. Due to this, one side of the stretch remains incomplete. However, a temporary road has been constructed through which vehicles can bypass the high-tension pole, and in the near future, authorities may consider opening the other carriageway as well. DeshGujarat