The long-awaited six-lane upgrade of the Ahmedabad-Rajkot National Highway is now expected to be completed by December 2024, according to Minister of State for Roads and Buildings. The six-lane project, covering a total of 201.33 km, began in 2018 with an estimated budget of ₹3,350 crore. Initially slated for completion in 2023, the project faced setbacks due to pandemic-related disruptions. However, work has progressed significantly, with 98% of the 197 km under the first phase already completed.
Expected to significantly enhance travel efficiency and safety
Once fully operational, the upgraded highway is expected to significantly enhance travel efficiency. The journey between Ahmedabad and Rajkot will be reduced to approximately 2 hours and 32 minutes, cutting down travel time by 30 to 45 minutes. Additionally, motorists can expect a 10-15% reduction in fuel consumption, making the route both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
On the safety front, the expansion project includes 38 flyover-underpass structures, of which 34 have been completed. The remaining four are under construction.
The highway’s redesign has also contributed to a 41% reduction in accidents at previously identified black spots over the past three years. Of the 34 black spots originally recorded, 31 have been addressed, with the remaining three set to be resolved soon.
Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway update: Slated for completion by May 2025
In addition to the Ahmedabad-Rajkot Highway, the Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway is also progressing with an eco-friendly approach. Slated for completion by May 2025, this 109 km expressway will utilise approximately 35 lakh cubic metres of recycled waste and 173.82 lakh cubic metres of fly ash for construction. As part of the initiative, 29 acres of Ahmedabad’s 80-acre waste dump will be cleared.
