Dahod: Around 55 km of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway between Limkheda and Godhra in Gujarat has begun seeing vehicular movement on a trial basis, according to local ground reports. The stretch is part of the expressway’s Delhi-Vadodara section, while some finishing and safety-related works are still underway.
The newly accessible section extends from the Hathidhara village interchange in Limkheda to the Godhra interchange and covers Packages 27 and 28. Earlier package-wise project updates identify Package 27 as the Bhimpura-Sant Road section and Package 28 as the Sant Road-Godhra Interchange section.
Limkheda-Godhra Stretch Covers Two Packages
The two packages together account for roughly 55 km:
- Package 27: About 29 km, covering the Bhimpura-Limkheda-Sant Road section.
- Package 28: About 26 km, extending from Sant Road to the Godhra Interchange.
- Both packages are being executed by GHV India.
Earlier progress updates had reported Packages 27 and 28 at advanced stages of construction, with the sections subsequently reaching completion of major structural works.
Limkheda Toll Plaza Yet to Become Operational
Although vehicles are currently using the stretch, the Limkheda toll plaza is not yet operational. Toll collection for the Limkheda-Godhra section is currently being carried out at the Godhra toll plaza, according to the ground report.
Work related to CCTV cameras, server systems and electrical infrastructure at the Limkheda toll facility is still underway.
Diversion Remains Near Piplod
A temporary traffic diversion is in place near the Piplod hill area, where slope protection work is being undertaken.
According to the report, the area had witnessed several landslide incidents during construction. Protective wire netting is being installed on the hill slopes, with work completed on one side while work continues on another.
As a result, traffic is temporarily being routed in both directions through one side of the expressway.
Trial Stretch Still Has Limited Facilities
The newly accessible section is not yet fully equipped with passenger amenities. The ground report notes the absence of facilities such as:
- Fuel stations
- Food outlets
- Mechanical repair facilities
- Other public amenities
Commuters using the stretch during this trial phase may therefore need to make arrangements for fuel, food and basic vehicle emergencies beforehand.
Safety Concerns Reported on the Expressway
The ground report also highlighted instances of two-wheelers, three-wheelers and pedestrians being present on the expressway, despite their prohibition on access-controlled high-speed expressways.
Stray cattle were also reportedly seen on the carriageway. The report further noted instances of people stopping vehicles on the road to take photographs and record videos.
These observations come as other works on the corridor, including safety installations and finishing activities, continue.
Package 26 Remains the Missing Link Towards Madhya Pradesh
The opening of the Limkheda-Godhra stretch does not yet provide uninterrupted expressway connectivity towards Delhi.
Package 26, which connects the Limkheda side with the Gujarat-Madhya Pradesh border, remains the key unfinished link in this part of the Delhi-Vadodara corridor. Government records identify Package 26 as the Gujarat-MP border-to-Bhimpura section.
For now, motorists travelling beyond Limkheda towards Madhya Pradesh have to leave the expressway and use an alternative road before rejoining the expressway in Madhya Pradesh.
