India’s second longest expressway to span 500 km of desert terrain

NHAI Aims to Complete the 1,316 km Expressway, Halving Travel Time Between Punjab and Gujarat

June 25, 2024

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is on track to complete the country’s second longest expressway, the Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway, by December 2025. Spanning 1,316 km, this ambitious project cuts through the deserts of Rajasthan and Haryana, connecting Amritsar in Punjab to Jamnagar in Gujarat.

While the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway holds the title of India’s longest expressway at 1,350 km, the Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway stands out for its unique desert route. Once operational, it will halve the current travel time between these two commercially vital cities, significantly reducing travel costs.

The expressway will cover approximately 500 km of desert terrain, directly linking industrial hubs around Amritsar with those in Gujarat. This connectivity promises substantial benefits for businesses and everyday commuters alike. Currently, the journey from Amritsar to Jamnagar spans 1,516 km and takes about 26 hours. The new expressway will reduce this distance by 216 km, cutting travel time to just 13 hours, with vehicles able to travel at speeds of 100 km/h.

The expressway will also benefit residents of Delhi-NCR, providing direct connectivity to Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat. Additionally, it will link to the Delhi-Katra Expressway, facilitating easier access from Gujarat to Kashmir.

Cities along the route, including Amritsar, Bhatinda, Moga, Hanumangarh, Suratgarh, Bikaner, Nagaur, Jodhpur, Barmer, and Jamnagar, will enjoy seamless connectivity, boosting regional economic activities and enhancing overall accessibility.