The Gujarat government has announced two ambitious expressway projects with a combined investment of Rs 96,240 crore, aimed at revolutionizing the state’s infrastructure and trade connectivity. The announcement was made by Minister of State Jagdish Vishwakarma during discussions on Budget demands in the Gujarat Assembly.
The two expressways, named the Namo Shakti Expressway and the Somnath-Dwarka Expressway, are set to significantly enhance road connectivity across the state. The Namo Shakti Expressway will span 430 kilometers, connecting Deesa in Banaskantha to Pipavav, with an estimated cost of Rs 39,120 crore. Meanwhile, the Somnath-Dwarka Expressway will stretch 680 kilometers, requiring an investment of Rs 57,120 crore.
To kickstart these projects, the state government has allocated Rs 520 crore from the newly established Rs 50,000 crore Developed Gujarat Fund for the upcoming financial year. The alignment of the expressways will be finalized within the next six months, followed by the preparation of a detailed project report (DPR), which is expected to take a year. Land acquisition for the projects will commence after the completion of the DPR.
These expressways are expected to bolster Gujarat’s already extensive road network, which includes over 1.11 lakh kilometers of roadways, comprising national highways, state highways, and district and rural roads. The state has also allocated Rs 10,045 crore in the 2024-25 Budget for road construction, expansion, and maintenance.
In addition to these projects, the Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway, a key component of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, is anticipated to further boost trade and commerce. The Gujarat government is also focusing on integrating smart road technologies, such as intelligent traffic management systems and enhanced safety measures, to ensure efficient and safe transportation.
These initiatives underscore Gujarat’s commitment to infrastructure development, positioning the state as a hub for economic growth and trade in India. The expressway projects are expected to play a pivotal role in connecting industrial hubs, ports, and agricultural regions, facilitating smoother logistics and transportation.
