Vadodara: As work steadily progresses on the 1,386-km, eight-lane Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, commuters continue to await the opening of the crucial Vadodara–Surat section, which is expected to bring major relief to travelers in South and Central Gujarat.

This stretch has been divided into six packages. Of these, Packages 1 to 3, connecting Vadodara to Bharuch, are already operational. Another stretch, Package 6, connecting Ena to Kim Interchange in Surat, was also opened recently. Even though this stretch is currently open only temporarily from the Bharuch to Kim side, it indicates that the package itself is largely ready. Furthermore, Package 4, which connects Manubar in Bharuch to Ankleshwar and includes the bridge over the Narmada River, has also been completed for some time now.

However, Package 5, between Ankleshwar and Kim Interchange, remains incomplete and is the only major hurdle preventing full-scale operation of the expressway between Vadodara and Surat.

Package 5, the most delayed part of the Vadodara–Surat corridor, is around 24 km long and is being executed by M/s Gawar-Kim Expressway Pvt. Ltd. Today, we bring you an on-ground report of this package based on vloggers’ insights and recent on-site footage.

Starting the journey from the Kim Interchange toward Bharuch, the package begins at the interchange, where toll booths, lane markings, and most finishing touches are already complete. Moving ahead, road work is largely finished, with crash barriers installed and signage being put up. Only a small patch of less than 100 meters remains pending, which isn’t a major issue.

As we reach near Kosamba, the Delhi–Mumbai railway line passes through the expressway alignment, and bridge work is ongoing here. Most of this work is complete; only one slab deck installation remains before the bridge can be opened to traffic.

Further along, the underpass at the Kosamba–Hansot highway is also complete, and long stretches of road are ready. However, a significant hurdle remains: three transmission towers still standing in the middle of the expressway, the first at Pardi Idris. These towers need to be relocated and are causing delays in completing the road.

Approaching Adol village, located around 15 km from Ankleshwar city, several underpass and minor bridge works are still underway. These pending works stretch from near Adol village up to the point where Package 4 begins toward Vadodara.

Considering the ongoing monsoon and the remaining work, the full opening of the Vadodara–Surat section of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway appears unlikely in the immediate future. However, if the remaining work is completed after the monsoon, indications suggest a formal inauguration could be expected around Diwali or by the end of 2025.