In a significant development for road infrastructure and regional connectivity, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has floated tenders for the first stretch of the proposed Tharad–Ahmedabad Expressway. The six-lane, access-controlled highway is aimed at easing traffic congestion, improving travel efficiency and strengthening freight movement across Gujarat and neighbouring states.

Details of the First Construction Package

The tendered Package 1 covers a design length of 105.8 km, forming nearly half of the entire corridor. The estimated cost of this package stands at ₹3,739.69 crore, including GST. The full expressway project spans 214 km and carries a total estimated capital cost of ₹10,534 crore. The corridor had received Union government approval in August 2024.

BOT Model to Drive Private Investment

NHAI has decided to execute the project under the Build–Operate–Transfer (BOT) toll model. Under this structure, a private concessionaire will be responsible for constructing, operating and maintaining the expressway during the concession period, after which the asset will be transferred back to the government. Officials believe this model will accelerate execution while ensuring long-term maintenance standards.

Strategic Link to National Freight Corridors

Once completed, the Tharad–Ahmedabad Expressway will serve as a vital logistics link by connecting the Amritsar–Jamnagar Economic Corridor with the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway. This integration is expected to create a faster freight route for goods moving from northern states such as Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan to major ports in Maharashtra, including Mumbai and JNPT.

Shorter Distances, Faster Travel

According to officials, the expressway will reduce the distance between Tharad and Ahmedabad by nearly 20 per cent and cut travel time by up to 60 per cent. Apart from freight benefits, the project is also expected to enhance tourism access, improving connectivity to destinations like Mehrangarh Fort, Dilwara Temples, Rani ki Vav and the Ambaji Temple.

Bid Submission Timeline

NHAI has set March 19, 2026, as the deadline for bid submissions. While the bidding process will be conducted online, shortlisted bidders will be required to submit original physical documents for verification before the issuance of the Letter of Award.

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