Gadkari, Om Birla, CM Bhajanlal to inspect Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Kota today
Synopsis
Six deadline extensions, ₹100 crore in cost overruns, and daily traffic snarls at Dara Nala — and now three of India's most powerful leaders are on the ground in Kota to see why the Dara Tunnel still isn't open. The high-profile inspection signals political urgency around a project that has tested commuter patience for four years.
Key Takeaways
Nitin Gadkari , Om Birla , and CM Bhajanlal Sharma will inspect the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Kota on 8 July 2025 at around 3:30 pm .
The inspection covers the Laban Interchange to Dara Tunnel stretch, passing through the Mukundara Tiger Reserve .
The Dara Tunnel completion deadline has been extended six times over four years , adding nearly ₹100 crore to project costs.
Officials estimate traffic through the tunnel could begin in approximately one month ; work on the second four-lane tunnel is in its final stages.
Round-the-clock pothole repair work was intensified ahead of the inspection visit.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma will jointly inspect the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway on Wednesday, 8 July, covering the stretch from the Laban Interchange to the Dara Tunnel in Kota to assess construction progress and road conditions.
Inspection Route and Schedule
Gadkari will travel by road from Delhi to Kota, inspecting the expressway en route. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma will arrive at the Laban Interchange by helicopter, while Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will reach the site by road after attending a programme in Khatoli. The three leaders are scheduled to begin their joint road inspection at around 3:30 pm, during which they will also review construction work at the Dara Tunnel.
Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar, Energy Minister Hiralal Nagar, and Ladpura MLA Kalpana Devi are also expected to accompany the delegation. Officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the district administration have made extensive preparations for the visit.
Pothole Repairs and Tunnel Work Expedited
Ahead of the inspection, repair work on the expressway has been intensified, with crews working round the clock to fill potholes that had become a safety concern. Construction inside the tunnel passing through the Mukundara Tiger Reserve has also been expedited. Following the inspection, Gadkari is scheduled to depart for Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh.
Dara Tunnel: Six Delays and Rising Costs
The Dara Tunnel project has faced repeated setbacks, with its completion deadline extended six times over the past four years. According to officials, the prolonged delay has pushed up the project's cost by nearly ₹100 crore, while commuters continue to endure frequent traffic congestion at Dara Nala.
Officials estimate it could take another month before traffic is permitted through the tunnel. Work on one carriageway has been completed, with remaining tasks being carried out in line with safety audit recommendations. Construction on the second four-lane tunnel is now reportedly in its final stages.
What's Next
With the tunnel's second carriageway nearing completion and senior leadership conducting an on-ground review, the inspection is expected to set a firm deadline for opening the stretch to traffic. The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, once fully operational through this corridor, is set to significantly cut travel time between Rajasthan and the national capital.
Point of View
But without a binding revised deadline and public disclosure of contractor performance, it risks being another photo opportunity on a road that commuters have been promised for four years. The real test is whether Wednesday's visit produces a firm, public opening date — and whether it is kept.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Nitin Gadkari, Om Birla, and CM Bhajanlal Sharma inspecting the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway?
The three leaders are conducting a joint inspection on 8 July to assess construction progress and road conditions on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, with particular focus on the long-delayed Dara Tunnel in Kota. The visit follows mounting concerns over safety, cost overruns, and repeated deadline extensions.
What is the current status of the Dara Tunnel on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway?
The Dara Tunnel's completion deadline has been extended six times over four years, with cost overruns of nearly ₹100 crore according to officials. Work on one carriageway is complete, the second four-lane tunnel is in its final stages, and officials estimate traffic could be allowed through in approximately one month.
Which stretch of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway will be inspected?
The inspection will cover the stretch from the Laban Interchange to the Dara Tunnel in Kota, Rajasthan. The tunnel passes through the Mukundara Tiger Reserve.
Who else is part of the inspection delegation?
Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar, Energy Minister Hiralal Nagar, and Ladpura MLA Kalpana Devi are expected to accompany the delegation, along with officials from NHAI and the district administration.
What impact has the Dara Tunnel delay had on commuters?
The prolonged construction has caused frequent traffic congestion at Dara Nala, disrupting daily commuters along the corridor. The delay has also increased the project's cost by nearly ₹100 crore, according to officials.
