The western region of Gujarat, traditionally known as Saurashtra, includes prominent locations such as Jamnagar, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Dwarka, Gir, Somnath, Porbandar, and Amreli.
These areas are at a significant road distance from Surat and Mumbai, posing substantial challenges to business and tourism.
In response, the Road and Transportation Ministry has announced bids for a new national highway linking Jamnagar to Bharuch.
This ambitious project includes a 30-km bridge spanning the Arabian Sea over the Gulf of Khambhat, making it India’s longest bridge.
The highway will shorten the distance between Saurashtra and Surat by 150–200 km, potentially reducing travel time by four hours.
This new route is expected to reshape Gujarat’s connectivity, with the western region brought closer to other parts of the state.
Apart from cutting fuel costs significantly, the highway is anticipated to boost business and employment opportunities across Gujarat.
The current travel challenge of day trips from Saurashtra to Surat will be resolved, making inter-regional commutes far more feasible.
Among the primary beneficiaries of the project will be Bhavnagar.
The highway will reduce road travel from Bhavnagar to Surat from 357 km to just 114 km, turning a 7–8 hour journey into less than a two-hour drive.
Bhavnagar, home to Alang—the world’s largest ship-breaking yard—is expected to save crores in transport and logistics costs with the new route.
Additionally, the highway will link major industrial zones, reducing the distance between the semiconductor hub Dholera and the industrial centres of Hajira and Ankleshwar.
The shorter route will benefit supply chains, especially for sectors relying on chemicals manufactured in Dahej.
The project will also bolster Bharuch’s economy, positioning it as a gateway to India for the Saurashtra region, fostering new business opportunities.
Currently, the longest bridge in India is the 21.8-km Atal Setu in Mumbai. The new bridge will surpass this by 8 km, becoming the country’s longest and offering travellers unique, scenic views over the Arabian Sea.
Following the selection of a company to draft the Detailed Project Report (DPR), work on the DPR is slated to begin by mid-2025.
This report will cover all technical aspects, such as the type of road construction, route specifics, underpasses and overpasses, design, technology, land acquisition details, drainage, landscaping, parking areas, and environmental concerns.
Upon DPR completion by mid-2026, tenders will be invited for the construction phase.
The total length of the new Jamnagar-Bharuch highway is expected to span 316 km.
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