Gujarat’s Two New Expressways Could Change Everything

There was a time when driving from one end of Gujarat to the other felt like a test of patience. Bumpy stretches, over-packed trucks, and endless tea breaks just to stretch our legs. Anyone who’s done the Ahmedabad to Dwarka drive knows what I mean.

But now, that might be about to change. Quietly, and perhaps without the buzz it deserves, the Gujarat government has greenlit two major expressways that could reshape how we move, trade, and travel across the state.

Here’s what’s going on and why it matters.

In its recent budget, the Gujarat government revealed plans for two massive infrastructure projects:

• The Namo Shakti Expressway
  This one’s going to run about 430 kilometers, connecting Deesa in North Gujarat to the Pipavav port in Saurashtra. It’s pegged at over ₹39,000 crore.
   
• The Somnath-Dwarka Expressway
  A longer stretch at 680 kilometers, it’s designed to link Somnath, Dwarka, Rajkot, Porbandar, and other key destinations. Estimated cost: around ₹57,000 crore.
  
   

Together, they add up to over ₹96,000 crore making this one of the biggest expressway investments Gujarat has ever seen.

But this isn’t just about long, fancy highways. It’s about what those highways unlock.

More Than Just Miles of Asphalt

Let’s take a moment to look beyond the numbers. Because behind every expressway plan is a whole ecosystem of people, communities, and stories.

For local businesses, especially those in smaller towns, these roads could be a game-changer. Imagine a trader in Deesa being able to get goods to Pipavav port in nearly half the time. That’s not just good for logisticsmit’s a boost for livelihoods.

For travelers and pilgrims, the Somnath-Dwarka corridor offers something even more special. A smoother, quicker ride between two of Gujarat’s most sacred destinations. No more long detours or unpredictable road conditions, just a clean, straight shot through the heart of Saurashtra.

And for people like you and me? It’s about time. It’s about convenience, comfort, and finally seeing Gujarat’s road network catch up with its ambitions.

How Soon Will This Happen?

Right now, we’re in the early phases.

The state has committed to completing route studies and alignment planning in the next few months. Once that’s locked in, they’ll begin work on the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), which lay out all the nuts and bolts of land acquisition, construction timelines, technical specs, and more.

There’s already money on the table. The government has set up a "Developed Gujarat Fund", with ₹520 crore already earmarked for these projects. That’s not a small change, it shows they’re serious.

So, What’s in It for Us?

Here's where things get interesting.

• Faster Travel: Getting from Ahmedabad to Somnath could soon take just four hours. That’s family trips, temple visits, and weekend getaways made easier.
  
   
• Better Trade: North Gujarat’s agricultural and industrial hubs will have a direct line to one of the country’s major ports. Export potential? Through the roof.
   
• Tourism Boost: Places like Porbandar and Dwarka could see more footfall than ever before—meaning more hotels, restaurants, and local jobs.
   
• District Development: Thirteen districts are expected to be touched by these expressways. Think better access to healthcare, education, and city amenities for people in smaller towns.
   

But Let’s Be Real 

Not everything about big infrastructure is rosy, and it's okay to ask the tough questions.

• How will land acquisition be handled?
   
• Will farmers be fairly compensated?
   
• What happens to local ecosystems and wildlife?
   
• How long will the actual construction take?
   

These are the kinds of things that don’t always make it into government press releases—but they matter. A lot.

What Makes These Expressways Different?

Unlike upgrading old highways, these are greenfield expressways built from scratch. That means the routes will be designed for speed, efficiency, and modern traffic demands. They won’t be weaving through congested towns or getting stuck in bottlenecks.

Word is, there’ll be rest stops every 50 km with toilets, petrol pumps, restaurants, and even medical services. That’s the kind of basic but crucial planning that makes or breaks a road trip.

And while we're not there yet, there’s talk of eco-sensitive designs with proper drainage, animal crossings, and minimal disruption to farmland and forests. Let’s hope they stick to those promises.

If you’ve lived in Gujarat long enough, you’ve seen how fast things have changed. Ten years ago, places like Dholera and Mandvi were barely on the map. Now they’re part of national conversations on smart cities and industrial corridors.

These new expressways? They’re just the next step in that journey.

They might not get the attention that bullet trains or metro projects do but ask anyone who drives across the state regularly, and they’ll tell you: a good road is worth its weight in gold.