India's second longest expressway to link Amritsar and Jamnagar, cutting travel time in half
India's second longest expressway to link Amritsar and Jamnagar, cutting travel time in half
The construction of the country's longest expressway between Delhi and Mumbai is well-known. However, the second-longest expressway, which bridges two cities separated by hundreds of kilometers of desert, is equally significant. This expressway's unique route through the desert is expected to be completed by December next year.
Once in operation, it will halve the travel time between these commercially crucial cities, greatly reducing travel costs. Spanning from Amritsar in Punjab to Jamnagar in Gujarat, the expressway covers a distance of 1,316 km, slightly less than the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway's 1,350 km. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to finish it by December 2025, with a substantial portion already completed.
This expressway, of great industrial importance, will cross hundreds of kilometers of desert in Rajasthan and Haryana. Its benefits extend beyond daily commuters to include significant advantages for businesses. By connecting industrial hubs around Amritsar with those in Gujarat, it will boost connectivity and economic activity. Around 500 kilometers of the route will pass through Rajasthan, with a large segment crossing sandy terrain.
The current journey from Amritsar to Jamnagar covers 1,516 km and takes about 26 hours. The new expressway will shorten the distance by 216 km and cut the travel time in half, down to just 13 hours, mainly due to the ability to drive at speeds of 100 km/h.
Residents of Delhi-NCR will also benefit from the Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway, which will offer direct connectivity to Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat. Additionally, it will link to the Delhi-Katra Expressway.
Moreover, this expressway will facilitate easier travel from Gujarat to Kashmir. It will significantly benefit cities such as Amritsar, Bhatinda, Moga, Hanumangarh, Suratgarh, Bikaner, Nagaur, Jodhpur, Barmer, and Jamnagar, providing seamless connectivity along its route.