The ambitious Delhi-Mumbai expressway project, hailed as a transformative development for Indian infrastructure, is experiencing substantial delays primarily due to land acquisition issues in Gujarat. Bidding for two key segments totalling 62 kilometres in Gujarat only began in November 2023. Construction on one of these segments started in April this year, while work on the other began just this month. Originally scheduled for completion by January 2023, the project has faced numerous delays, pushing the revised completion target to March 2024, which has also been missed. It has been revealed that each segment requires at least eighteen months constructing. To accelerate progress, the project was divided into smaller 'packages' for more efficient execution. Officials have assured that all unresolved land acquisition issues are being actively addressed. Currently, about 630 kilometres of the total 1,386 kilometres have been opened to traffic in various segments. Significant portions include Sohna-Dausa-Sawai Madhopur (293 km) and Jhalawar-MP/Gujarat border (245 km). Authorities are optimistic that the 845-kilometre stretch from Sohna to Vadodara will be fully operational by March 2025. Subsequent sections, which are vital connections to Mumbai's JNPT port, Jewar Airport in Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi's DND Flyway, are expected to follow. Former NHAI officials stress the importance of timely land acquisition for such projects and highlight the need for proactive measures by state governments. A former official noted that the biggest obstacle in executing road projects, particularly greenfield expressways, is the lack of available land. Recently, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways announced that contracts worth Rs 36.33 billion and Rs 22.87 billion were awarded for constructing 35 kilometres in Valsad and 27 kilometres in Navsari districts, respectively. However, construction in these areas has yet to begin.