A major infrastructure project in Gujarat has moved a step forward as the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has invited proposals from expert consultants to prepare plans for a new high-speed expressway connecting Bhavnagar and Bharuch.
The proposed expressway, planned as a 4- to 6-lane corridor, will feature a massive sea bridge across the Gulf of Khambhat. The entire route, including the sea bridge, is expected to be around 68 kilometres long and is likely to sharply cut travel time between the Saurashtra region and South Gujarat.
At present, travellers have to take a much longer road route around the gulf. The new expressway is being designed to reduce both travel distance and travel time for passengers as well as cargo transportation.
The project is also linked with the Gujarat government’s ambitious Kalpasar Project, which aims to build a large freshwater reservoir in the Gulf of Khambhat. Officials say integrating the expressway with existing state plans could help boost industrial development and strengthen regional connectivity.
What Happens Next?
The project is currently at the planning stage. The Centre is looking for a consultancy firm to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR), which will outline the complete construction plan. The DPR will include:
- Final route alignment of the expressway
- Design details of the sea bridge
- Environmental and social impact assessments to minimise disruption to local communities and ecology
The consultancy work is expected to take around 12 months. After the DPR is completed and approved, the government will begin the bidding process for construction.
Once completed, the Bhavnagar–Bharuch Expressway is expected to become a major connectivity boost for Gujarat, offering a faster, safer and modern access-controlled route across the Gulf of Khambhat.