4 rounds of bids in 5 years: Why a 35-km stretch continues to hold up Delhi-Mumbai Expressway

The ambitious Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, spanning 1,386 km, has faced yet another delay in Gujarat, as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) struggles to complete a 35.4 km stretch in Valsad and Navsari districts. This is the fourth time NHAI has issued a call for bids for package 8, the Jujuwa to Gandeva section, following repeated issues with contractors.

Initially awarded to Roadway Solutions India Infra Ltd in 2021 under the Hybrid Annuity Mode, the contract was terminated in March 2023, but RSIIL was re-awarded it in November 2023 under Engineering, Procurement & Construction mode. However, due to delays, the contract was terminated again in December 2025. The second lowest bidder, Ceigall India, quoted Rs 1,581 crore for the project.

Despite attempts to expedite the process, the delay continues to impact the overall project timeline, which was revised to ensure completion by June 30, 2028.