Daijiworld Media Network - Surat
Surat, Jun 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate key sections of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and lay the foundation stone for multiple highway projects worth a total of Rs 12,421 crore during his visit to Surat on June 5, coinciding with World Environment Day.
The projects, aimed at enhancing connectivity and boosting economic growth across South Gujarat, include the inauguration of two major stretches of the Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway. The 36-km Kim–Ena section and the 27.5-km Gandeva–Ena section have been developed at a combined cost of Rs 7,689 crore and form an important part of the larger Delhi-Mumbai Expressway corridor.
The newly completed eight-lane stretches feature extensive infrastructure, including major and minor bridges, flyovers, rail-over-road structures and vehicular underpasses. Authorities have also developed 70 underpasses and two interchanges to ensure seamless local connectivity and minimise disruptions for surrounding communities.
Officials said the opening of these sections is expected to improve passenger travel, accelerate freight transportation and reduce logistics costs for industries operating in the region. Seven dedicated rest areas are also planned along the corridor to improve convenience and safety for commuters.
During the visit, the Prime Minister will additionally lay the foundation stone for four National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) projects valued at Rs 4,732 crore. These include the expansion of key sections of National Highway 56 and the construction of grade-separated traffic infrastructure on National Highway 53.
Among the major projects are the four-laning of the Dhamasiya–Bitada/Movi section and the Nasarpor–Malotha section of NH-56. The upgrades are expected to significantly improve road connectivity to the Statue of Unity and strengthen transportation links with tribal districts such as Narmada, Tapi, Valsad and Chhota Udepur.
The 107.67-km upgraded highway corridor is expected to cut travel time by up to 40 minutes while increasing average vehicle speeds by nearly 75 per cent. Officials believe the project will strengthen links between agricultural centres, industrial hubs, tribal regions and major trade routes.
Additional infrastructure works include a six-lane vehicular underpass near Reliance on the Surat-Hazira corridor and a flyover-cum-underpass project at Kavas. These developments are intended to ease traffic flow and improve connectivity in one of Gujarat’s busiest industrial zones.
The Prime Minister will also lay foundation stones for two projects worth approximately Rs 149 crore on the Hazira Port-Surat stretch of NH-53. These include a six-lane flyover and a dedicated vehicular underpass designed to facilitate smoother movement of cargo traffic serving the region’s industrial belt and port facilities.
According to officials, the new infrastructure will support trade, manufacturing and maritime activities while reducing congestion and enhancing road safety for commuters travelling through the Hazira industrial region. The projects are also expected to strengthen connectivity between ports, railway stations, airports and logistics hubs, further boosting Gujarat’s position as a major economic gateway