In a significant development aimed at transforming national connectivity, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has confirmed that the ₹31,700 crore Delhi-Kolkata six-lane expressway will be completed by June 2026. This major infrastructure initiative, which spans four Indian states — Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, is expected to revolutionise long-distance travel, freight movement, and regional economic growth.

Massive Highway Infrastructure Push in Jharkhand

While addressing a rally in Ranchi, Jharkhand, on July 3, 2025, Gadkari announced multiple infrastructure projects aimed at augmenting the state’s highway network. In a clear demonstration of commitment towards Jharkhand’s development, he revealed that projects worth ₹2 lakh crore will be implemented in the state over the next few years.

• In 2014, Jharkhand had only 2,600 km of national highways.

• As of 2025, the network has expanded to 4,470 km, including connection of 19 aspirational districts.

• Completed highway projects in the state amount to ₹40,000 crore, with ₹70,000 crore worth of projects ongoing, and an additional ₹75,000 crore in the pipeline.

This significant investment reflects the central government’s push to unlock Jharkhand’s untapped economic potential, particularly in sectors like mining, logistics, and tourism.

Delhi-Kolkata Expressway: Key Features

The Delhi-Kolkata expressway, part of India’s ambitious highway modernization mission, is envisioned to streamline connectivity across the northern and eastern regions of the country.

• Length: Approx. 610 kilometres

• States Covered: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal

• Lanes: Initially six lanes, with provisions for further expansion

• Completion Deadline: June 2026

• Objective: Improve logistics, enhance tourism, and support economic corridors

Once operational, this expressway will significantly cut down travel time between Delhi and Kolkata, reduce fuel costs, and decongest existing roads and rail lines.

Gadkari Emphasises 'Development Politics' Over Populism

During his rally, Gadkari called for a shift from populist politics to development-focused governance, urging the Jharkhand government to address land acquisition bottlenecks, forest clearances, and other approval-related delays.

“Politics should be limited to elections. After that, the focus must shift to development,” he said, addressing the state’s need for administrative cooperation to fast-track key infrastructure initiatives.

The minister also reiterated the Centre’s commitment to enhancing connectivity between Jharkhand and Bihar, noting the region’s strategic importance in India’s larger infrastructure vision.

Greenfield and Economic Corridors in Focus

In addition to the Delhi-Kolkata expressway, multiple large-scale greenfield and economic corridors are in the works:

1. Varanasi–Ranchi–Kolkata Greenfield Corridor

   • Cost: ₹36,000 crore

   • Deadline: March 2028

2. Ranchi–Varanasi Economic Corridor

   • Cost: ₹12,800 crore

   • Deadline: January 2028

These corridors aim to facilitate industrial growth, freight efficiency, and regional trade between eastern India and key economic hubs.

Inaugurations and Foundation Stones in Garhwa, Jharkhand

The minister’s visit also included the inauguration of completed road sections and foundation stone laying for new projects:

• Shankha to Khajoori Four-Lane Highway

  • Length: 23 km

  • Cost: ₹1,130 crore

• Chhattisgarh–Jharkhand Border to Gumla (NH-39) Four-Laning

  • Length: 32 km

  • Cost: ₹1,330 crore

These projects will ensure safer, faster travel and better inter-state logistics in eastern India.

Strategic Importance of Eastern Highways

The Delhi-Kolkata expressway and its complementary corridors are part of a larger National Highway Development Programme that seeks to:

• Decongest existing road infrastructure

• Strengthen multi-modal logistics

• Foster growth in aspirational districts

• Boost the “Make in India” and “Digital India” missions through better transport access

With better road infrastructure, regions like Jharkhand, which are rich in natural and mineral resources, can connect with industrial hubs, ports, and markets more efficiently.

Conclusion: A Highway to Growth

The Delhi-Kolkata expressway project, set for completion by June 2026, is more than just a road — it is a corridor of opportunity that promises to bring prosperity to eastern India, improve logistics nationwide, and accelerate India’s $5 trillion economy goal.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s announcement signals a strong central focus on infrastructure-led growth and regional development parity. With over ₹2 lakh crore earmarked for Jharkhand alone, the state is poised to become a logistics and connectivity hub in the coming decade.

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