New 24-km Faridabad Section of Delhi-Mumbai Expressway Opens to Public

This 24-kilometer section is part of the much-needed expansion in the expressway project to enhance connectivity in the National Capital Region (NCR). Though NHAI is yet to decide on a date for the official launch, this highway stretch has been open to traffic for nearly four weeks. The stretch, costed at ?1,729 crore, connects Mithapur (Jaitpur Pushta) on the border of Delhi to Kelly village in Ballabhgarh, giving one a breather from traffic chaos around Faridabad and bringing considerable relief to daily commuters by smoothing out driving conditions.

This newly completed expressway section has been especially so that it would ease the pressure off the very congested NH-19. This will easily help ease city traffic congestion and improve the all-round flow of vehicles in the region as it can carry over 50,000 vehicles on a daily basis. It also gives seamless connectivity with the Delhi-Agra Highway, NH-19, which will make the travel to and from in Faridabad much easier. While the expressway route initiates from the DND Flyway in New Delhi, this stretch within the city remains under construction and is unlikely to open anytime soon.

This Expressway  is designed to sustain very heavy traffic, the expressway section follows a 12-lane configuration with a six-lane main carriageway alongside a three-lane service road on either side. Service roads have been designed to allow easy access and avoid bottlenecks in traffic. This section falls under Package Three of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway that runs between Sectors 62-65 of Faridabad to an interchange located near the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway which opened to full traffic in May 2023.

The expressway section has six entry and exit points, strategically positioned to give access not only to local commutes but long distance travelers. The first toll collection point is placed at Kiranj village, which is 25 kilometres from Kelly. Although the toll will be discussed among the authorities, it is hoped that soon after finalizing some operational details that the NHAI will inform of the rates.

Construction on the Package Two of the expressway was reportedly started on August 10, 2021. The initial plan for the project began and was scheduled for completion in August 2023. However, due to various instances of delays, the project was completed 14 months late. Still, this stretch is functional, and a date for its official opening has been announced as more parts of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway project near completion.