Bharuch: The section of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway from Dehgam in Bharuch to Kim in Surat has been opened to traffic on a trial basis. This much-awaited section is Package 5 of the Vadodara–Mumbai stretch of the expressway, and its opening gives uninterrupted connectivity between Vadodara and Surat.

The trial opening comes after senior officials of NHAI conducted a site visit on January 8 and reviewed the entire stretch, during which the road was found to be structurally complete. However, some safety-related works are still pending, which may cause a slight delay in full official operations, which are expected by next week or two.

However, motorists faced inconvenience as with the opening of the package, the entry and exit point near Pungam in Ankleshwar was closed without prior notice, leaving several commuters stranded on the route. Motorists expressed dissatisfaction over the sudden closure, saying the situation could have been avoided with advance information and proper guidance.

At present, vehicles coming from Vadodara can use the expressway from Dehgam to Kim and further from Kim to Ena near Surat, but direct entry or exit from Ankleshwar remains unavailable. Local commuters and transport operators have urged the administration to provide clear information, install signboards, and ensure better traffic guidance.

Big boost to Central Gujarat to South Gujarat connectivity

With the operationalisation of Package 5, a continuous expressway corridor from Vadodara to Surat has now become functional. This will enable direct connectivity between Ahmedabad and Surat via the Ahmedabad–Vadodara Expressway (NE-1) and then the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, significantly reducing travel time and improving commute between Central and South Gujarat.

Furthermore, as Package 7, from the Ena Interchange to the Kharel Interchange, is already 100 per cent complete, it can be opened at any time. This will allow direct expressway connectivity from Ahmedabad to Navsari. DeshGujarat