India’s 8 must-drive expressways that are road trip goals

If you were planning to get a visa just to experience the thrill of road trips, then this one's for you! There's no denying that India’s modern expressways are now giving Europe’s autobahns a serious run for their money. Given the current situation, the Indian roads have gotten only better and world class with time.

Whether you're a weekend wanderer, a solo rider, or the kind who packs snacks because snacks are love, these eight expressways promise a drive that’s part journey, part destination.

Let’s start with the OG of Indian expressways. Opened in 2002, this six-lane expressway was India’s first concrete, access-controlled highway. Initially, it was opened without a speed limit, which was later on introduced. Sharp tunnels, smooth curves, misty hills, and food stops that serve vada pavs are some of the highlights of this trip. The drive through Lonavala’s scenic stretch is best enjoyed during monsoons (with caution, of course).

If you're heading to Agra from Delhi, ditch the dusty GT Road and hit the Yamuna Expressway instead. This 165-km stretch cuts down travel time dramatically and comes with wide lanes, zero sharp turns, and a straight-up race-track vibe. Just don’t test your inner Formula 1 driver, speed cameras are lurking. And yes, the Taj Mahal is your reward at the end of the road.

Known as the NE-1, this 93-km expressway offers a buttery smooth ride across the heart of Gujarat. What makes it special? For one, the lush green surroundings that bloom after every rain, and two, the sheer consistency of the road.It's a perfect weekend trail for road trip rookies and highway foodies alike.

This 135-km circular bypass around Delhi isn’t just an engineering marvel, it’s a sanity saver. Skip the city’s infamous traffic jams and cruise through solar-powered streetlights, massive interchanges, and artistically landscaped medians. It’s also India’s first green expressway, complete with e-vehicle charging stations.

This six-lane expressway cuts travel time from over 3 hours to just about 75 minutes. And along the way, you get verdant countryside, plenty of filter coffee pitstops, and detours to heritage sites like Srirangapatna.

How do you make a 90-minute drive from Delhi to Meerut in under 45 min? You take India’s one of the fastest expressways. At 6 lanes wide and running through elevated sections, the DME has made everyday commuting feel like a leisure cruise. And for road-trippers, it’s the perfect warm-up stretch before heading deeper into the heart of Uttarakhand.

This one's still causing a buzz. It’s among the country’s longest greenfield road projects, connecting Mumbai to Nagpur through a route filled with tunnels, wildlife crossings, and views that are just mesmerising. It’s also designed for a top speed of 150 kmph (though actual speed limits may vary), so buckle up for a smooth thrill.

Ever wanted to land a fighter jet on a road? Well, this 302-km expressway can handle that—literally. It features a 3-km emergency airstrip used by the Indian Air Force. But for the rest of us civilians, it's a clean, green, and endlessly scenic stretch cutting through farmlands and small towns. It also links up with the Yamuna Expressway, making your Agra trip doubly delicious and memorable.