By 2028, India’s road infrastructure will witness a historic milestone as the network of Expressways between Mumbai and Kolkata become fully operational, slashing travel time between the two metros to just 23.5 hours for a 1,760 km journey. This integrated corridor, combining four expressways and one national highway, will revolutionize connectivity, trade, and logistics across key economic zones.
Breaking Down the Mumbai-Kolkata Expressway Route
1. Mumbai to Nagpur via Samruddhi Mahamarg (Operational)
- Distance:Â 431 km
- Travel Time:Â 6 hours
- Status:Â Fully operational
Connecting Mumbai to Nagpur, this expressway is already a vital artery for Maharashtra’s economic growth.
2. Nagpur to Bhandara via Nagpur- Bhandara -Gondia Expressway (Under Construction)
- Distance:Â 127 km
- Travel Time:Â 1.15 hours
- Status:Â Bidding underway, expected completion by 2027
This six-to-four-lane greenfield project will enhance cargo movement between Nagpur SEZ and Gondia.
3. Bhandara to Raipur via NH-53 (Take National Highway between Bhandara and Raipur – Existing Stretch)
- Distance:Â 225 km
- Travel Time:Â 4.5 hours
- Status:Â Currently operational, may see future upgrades
This national highway serves as a crucial link until a dedicated expressway is built.
4. Raipur to Dhanbad via Raipur-Dhanbad Economic Corridor (EC-07) (Under Construction)
- Distance:Â 707 km
- Travel Time:Â 9 hours (down from 16 hours)
- Status:Â Expected completion by 2026
A Bharatmala Pariyojana initiative, this corridor will boost connectivity to coal hubs and industrial belts in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.
5. Dhanbad to Kolkata via Varanasi–Kolkata Expressway (Under Construction)
- Distance:Â 270 km (Kolkata segment)
- Travel Time:Â 3 hours
- Status:Â To be completed by 2026/27
With a ₹35,000 crore investment, this six-lane expressway will link four states—UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
Total Distance & Travel Time
- Total Distance:Â 1,760 km
- Total Travel Time:Â ~23.5 hours
Economic & Industrial Impact
The Mumbai to Kolkata Expressways’ network will be a game-changer for logistics, reducing freight costs and travel delays. It will boost trade between:
✅Â Mumbai (Financial Hub)
✅Â Nagpur (Multi-Modal Logistics Park)
✅Â Raipur & Dhanbad (Industrial & Coal Belts)
✅Â Kolkata (Eastern Trade Gateway)
Conclusion
By 2028, India’s west-to-east connectivity will reach unprecedented efficiency with the Mumbai to Kolkata Expressway, cutting travel time, enhancing trade, and fueling economic growth.
