Delhi-Mumbai Expressway Nears Finish Line: New 15 km Link to Transform Port Connectivity

Updated: December 10, 2025 03:31

Image Source: Free Source Journal

The final phase of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Maharashtra is close to completion. To bridge the missing connection to JNPA, NHAI has approved a 15 km Morbe-Kalamboli link costing Rs 9,000 crore. Once operational by April 2026, the link will reduce travel time to the port to 25 minutes, boosting trade efficiency.

India’s most ambitious highway project, the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, is entering its final stage in Maharashtra. While the Talasari-Morbe stretch (156 km) is nearly ready, the absence of a direct connection to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has delayed full operationalization. To resolve this, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has finalized plans for a 15 km missing link between Morbe and Kalamboli junction, ensuring seamless access to the port.

Officials confirmed that the alignment has been approved, with construction expected to begin soon after design clearances. The project, estimated at Rs 9,000 crore, is scheduled to be completed by April 2026, coinciding with the opening of the Talasari-Raite section.

This new link is expected to revolutionize cargo movement, cutting travel time between Morbe and JNPA from over an hour to just 25 minutes. The development is particularly significant given delays in the MSRDC corridor, which had previously hindered connectivity.

Major Takeaways

Expressway Progress: Delhi-Mumbai Expressway’s Maharashtra phase nearing completion.

Missing Link: A 15 km Morbe-Kalamboli stretch approved to connect directly to JNPA.

Cost & Timeline: Rs 9,000 crore project, targeted for completion by April 2026.

Travel Time Cut: Morbe-JNPA journey reduced to 25 minutes, enhancing logistics efficiency.

Strategic Impact: Boosts India’s trade competitiveness by streamlining port access.

Notable Updates

Alignment Finalized: NHAI has cleared the route design for the missing link.

Port Connectivity: Direct access to JNPA will strengthen India’s export-import infrastructure.

Economic Benefits: Faster cargo movement expected to reduce costs and improve turnaround times.

Conclusion

The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway’s final phase, anchored by the Morbe-Kalamboli missing link, represents a transformative step for India’s infrastructure. By drastically reducing travel time to JNPA, the project will not only ease logistics but also reinforce India’s position as a global trade hub.

Sources: OneIndia, Free Press Journal, DNA India.

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