New Delhi, May 20: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari conducted an inspection of the ambitious DND–Faridabad–Sohna Access-Controlled Highway project aimed at transforming connectivity across Delhi-NCR and improving direct access to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and the upcoming Noida International Airport at Jewar.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Union Ministers Ajay Tamta, Harsh Malhotra and Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Delhi PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh, Haryana PWD Minister Ranbir Gangwa, South Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and former MP Ramesh Bidhuri were also present during the inspection.
₹4,463 Crore Mega Highway Project
Developed under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, the DND–Faridabad–Sohna Access-Controlled Highway is a high-speed six-lane corridor spanning approximately 59.063 km with an estimated project cost of ₹4,463 crore.
The corridor is designed to significantly improve connectivity between:
- Delhi
- Noida
- Ghaziabad
- Faridabad
- Gurugram
- Sohna
The project is expected to reduce travel time, ease traffic congestion and strengthen logistics and economic connectivity across the National Capital Region (NCR).
Advanced Engineering and Modern Construction Technology
One of the key highlights of the project is the construction of a 140-metre-long “Network Arch Bridge” (NAB), considered among India’s most advanced steel bridge structures.
The bridge has been designed using:
- Modern tied-arch technology
- Cross-hanger structural systems
- High seismic resistance mechanisms
Officials stated that the bridge is engineered for enhanced strength, durability and safety during seismic activity.
The project also incorporates multiple advanced construction technologies, including:
- Precast segmental construction
- Launching girders
- High-strength E450 steel
- Grade 10.9 bolts
- High-damping rubber bearings
- Swivel expansion joints
Temporary removable steel pile supports have also been used above irrigation canals to minimise structural impact during construction.
Environment-Friendly Construction Measures
The highway project also focuses on sustainable and environment-friendly construction practices.
Around 2 lakh metric tonnes of inert material generated through biomining of the Okhla and Ghazipur landfill sites have reportedly been used in road construction, reducing dependence on natural borrow materials.
The project additionally includes:
- Noise barriers
- Landscaping works
- Large-scale plantation drives
Direct Connectivity to Jewar Airport
A major objective of the project is to improve connectivity to the upcoming Noida International Airport at Jewar and reduce traffic pressure on Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
The new corridor will connect:
- Noida International Airport
- Delhi-Mumbai Expressway
- DND-Faridabad Bypass
- Yamuna Expressway
- Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE)
The project includes construction of:
- A fully access-controlled six-lane divided carriageway
- Eight-lane stretches at key locations
- Elevated corridors
- Major interchanges
- A Road Over Bridge (ROB) over DFCC crossings
₹2,360 Crore Jewar Connectivity Stretch
A crucial 31.425 km stretch from Chandawali village in Faridabad to Dayanapur in Gautam Buddh Nagar is being developed at a cost of approximately ₹2,360 crore.
Officials said the corridor will allow:
- Northern India-bound traffic to directly access Jewar Airport through the Eastern Peripheral Expressway
- Direct connectivity from South Delhi, Faridabad and Gurugram to Noida Airport
The project is expected to substantially reduce traffic load inside Delhi while improving freight movement and airport accessibility.
Four Major Interchanges Planned
The expressway project includes four major interchanges at:
- DND-Sohna Highway
- Eastern Peripheral Expressway
- Yamuna Expressway
- DFCC crossings with ROB infrastructure
An eight-lane ROB and elevated corridor are also planned to ensure faster and seamless connectivity to the airport region.
Major Boost for NCR Growth
According to officials, the corridor passes through areas identified under the Faridabad Master Plan 2031 for high-density urban growth and future infrastructure expansion.
Once completed, the project is expected to become one of NCR’s most significant transport infrastructure corridors, improving mobility, logistics efficiency and regional economic growth across Delhi, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh.
