The final stretch of the Delhi-Faridabad expressway corridor has been completed, with a trial run reducing a peak-hour journey from Sarai Kale Khan to Sohna and Palwal from about three hours to 40-45 minutes, according to South Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri.
The development concerns the DND-Faridabad-Sohna Access Controlled Highway, or NH-148A, which is expected to create a faster link between Delhi, Faridabad, Sohna, Palwal and the wider expressway network in Haryana. The corridor connects Sarai Kale Khan with Jaitpur and Meethapur before extending towards Faridabad and linking with the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal Expressway and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway network.
Bidhuri announced the completion after inspecting the stretch with Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari while the National Highways Authority of India was conducting load testing and other technical evaluations. Sources indicated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may inaugurate the corridor later this year.
The NH-148A corridor is 59 km long. It is supported by a further 9 km of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway between the DND Flyway and Jaitpur. The DND-Jaitpur section is intended to provide a direct connection from Delhi to the broader expressway system, while adjoining sections connect travellers to Faridabad and the KMP Expressway.
The corridor is currently at different stages of operation. The 9 km Delhi section between the DND Flyway and Jaitpur has opened on a trial basis. It is toll-free for now and carries a speed limit of 40 kmph as NHAI monitors traffic movement. The 50 km Haryana section, running from Jaitpur towards Sohna and the KMP Expressway, has moved beyond its trial phase and is operational with toll collection in place.
The new route is expected to provide an alternative to existing roads used by commuters travelling between Delhi and southern Haryana. Bidhuri said it would help ease congestion at Ashram Chowk, Kalindi Kunj and along Mathura Road, while also reducing travel time and fuel consumption. Traffic bound for Faridabad, Ballabhgarh and Sohna is expected to shift towards the expressway, reducing pressure on the Ring Road and Mathura Road.
According to Bidhuri, the journey from the DND Flyway to Faridabad could take around 20 minutes, compared with about 30 minutes currently required to cover the Ashram-Badarpur border section. The actual time savings for commuters will depend on traffic volumes, access arrangements and how the corridor operates once fully opened.
The Delhi stretch remains under trial operations, and NHAI is continuing technical evaluations before the corridor’s full operational arrangements are finalised. The next major milestone is the proposed inauguration later this year.
