Delhi-Mumbai Expressway Two Years Out, Gadkari Says

A larger ₹15,000-crore Atal Express Highway from Kota to Etawah, running along the Chambal River, is in planning. The Detailed Project Report is under preparation. The project was earlier called the Chambal Express Highway but was renamed after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee because it passes through Gwalior.

Gadkari also said the DPR for connecting Bhawani Mandi with the expressway has been initiated, following requests from local representatives.

The minister framed the highway work as an economic engine. Improved roads would bring industries, logistics parks, educational institutions, medical colleges, and agro-based businesses to underdeveloped tribal districts along the route, he said. He quoted former US President John F. Kennedy: "American roads are not good because America is rich; America is rich because American roads are good."

On materials, Gadkari said the government has used nearly 80 lakh tonnes of municipal waste in road construction and is promoting bio-bitumen made from crop residue. Aviation fuel is also being produced from stubble, he added.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma were present at the event.