Nitin Gadkari Inspects DND–Faridabad–Sohna Highway Project to Strengthen NCR Connectivity

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari today inspected the DND–Faridabad–Sohna Access Controlled Highway Project, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at transforming connectivity across the Delhi-NCR region and improving direct access to the upcoming Noida International Airport at Jewar and the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway.

The inspection highlighted the government’s continued focus on modern transport infrastructure, advanced engineering technologies and sustainable construction practices under the Bharatmala Pariyojana programme.

The visit was attended by several senior leaders and officials, including:

• Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta;

• Union Ministers of State Shri Ajay Tamta, Shri Harsh Malhotra and Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar;

• Delhi PWD Minister Shri Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma;

• Haryana PWD Minister Shri Ranbir Singh Gangwa;

• South Delhi MP Shri Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, and

• Former MP Shri Ramesh Bidhuri.

Major Highway Corridor to Improve NCR Connectivity

The DND–Faridabad–Sohna Access Controlled Highway Project is being developed under the Bharatmala Pariyojana at an estimated cost of ₹4,463 crore.

The six-lane access-controlled corridor has a total length of approximately 59.063 kilometres and is expected to significantly improve high-speed connectivity between:

• Delhi;

• Noida;

• Ghaziabad;

• Faridabad;

• Gurugram, and

• Sohna.

Officials said the project will reduce congestion, improve travel efficiency and strengthen regional transportation infrastructure across the National Capital Region.

Advanced Engineering Features Introduced

One of the project’s most significant highlights is the construction of a 140-metre-long Network Arch Bridge (NAB), regarded as one of the most advanced steel bridge structures currently being developed in India.

The bridge has been designed using modern tied-arch technology with a crossed hanger arrangement, which enhances:

• Structural stability;

• Durability;

• Load distribution, and

• Seismic resilience.

Experts say the bridge reflects the increasing use of advanced engineering standards in India’s national highway projects.

Innovative Construction Technologies Used

The highway project also incorporates several modern construction methodologies and technologies aimed at improving efficiency, durability and safety.

These include:

• Removable temporary steel pile supports over irrigation canals;

• Precast segmental construction technology;

• Launching girders;

• High-strength E450 steel;

• Grade 10.9 bolts;

• High-damping rubber bearings, and

• Swivel expansion joints.

Officials said these technologies are expected to improve construction quality while reducing long-term maintenance requirements.

Sustainable Construction Practices Emphasised

The project also places strong emphasis on environmentally sustainable construction practices.

Approximately 2 lakh metric tonnes of inert material generated through bio-mining of the:

• Okhla Landfill, and

• Ghazipur Landfill

have been utilised in road construction.

This approach has reduced dependence on natural borrow materials while supporting waste recycling and environmental management efforts.

The project additionally includes:

• Noise barriers;

• Landscaping works, and

• Plantation initiatives

to minimise environmental impact and improve roadside aesthetics.

Project Expected to Reduce Travel Time and Congestion

Officials said the highway corridor is expected to significantly improve traffic movement across the NCR region once completed.

Key anticipated benefits include:

• Reduced travel time;

• Better traffic decongestion;

• Improved freight movement;

• Enhanced logistics efficiency, and

• Increased regional economic activity.

The corridor is also expected to strengthen integration between major expressways and urban centres across the region.

Dedicated Connectivity to Noida International Airport

A major component of the broader infrastructure initiative involves improving connectivity to the upcoming Noida International Airport at Jewar, which is expected to reduce pressure on Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.

To support this objective, a separate connectivity project is being developed linking:

• The DND–Faridabad Bypass in Haryana;

• The Delhi–Mumbai Expressway;

• The Yamuna Expressway, and

• The Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE).

Officials said the project will create a high-speed transport corridor connecting southern parts of NCR directly with the new airport.

New Access-Controlled Expressway Under Development

The dedicated airport connectivity corridor involves construction of a fully access-controlled six-lane expressway stretching from:

• Chandawali village in Faridabad, Haryana, to

• Near Dayanapur in Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh.

The project has a total length of 31.425 kilometres and is being developed at an estimated cost of ₹2,360 crore.

The expressway will use flexible pavement technology and is expected to substantially improve airport accessibility from multiple NCR regions.

Major Interchanges and Rail Over Bridge Planned

The airport connectivity project includes four major interchanges located at:

• DND–Sohna Highway;

• Eastern Peripheral Expressway;

• Yamuna Expressway, and

• DFCC crossing.

The project will also feature:

• A Rail Over Bridge (ROB), and

• A proposed elevated corridor with an eight-lane ROB at the DFCCIL crossing.

Officials said these structures will provide direct and faster connectivity from:

• South Delhi;

• Faridabad, and

• Gurugram

to the Noida International Airport.

Project Expected to Boost Economic Growth

The Ministry said the corridor forms a key part of the greenfield connectivity between the DND–Ballabhgarh Bypass and the Noida International Airport while also linking the route to the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway.

The highway passes through areas identified under the Faridabad Master Plan 2031 for:

• High-density urban development;

• Industrial growth, and

• Future infrastructure expansion.

Officials believe the project will:

• Support regional economic development;

• Improve logistics movement;

• Encourage investment, and

• Strengthen urban connectivity across NCR.

Bharatmala Pariyojana Driving Infrastructure Modernisation

The project reflects the government’s continued emphasis on large-scale highway modernisation under the Bharatmala Pariyojana programme.

The initiative focuses on:

• Expanding high-speed corridors;

• Improving freight efficiency;

• Enhancing regional connectivity, and

• Supporting economic growth through infrastructure investment.

Observers say projects such as the DND–Faridabad–Sohna corridor represent a major transformation in India’s urban and intercity transport infrastructure.