Dwarka Expressway: Fueling NCR’s real estate renaissance

Gurugram: Once mired in delays and disputes, the Dwarka Expressway has emerged as one of Delhi NCR’s most transformative infrastructure projects—a fully operational 28.7-kilometre, 16-lane corridor that is redefining investment, and urban development in the region.

Stretching from Mahipalpur in Delhi to Kherki Daula in Gurugram, the expressway not only eases congestion on NH-48 but also creates seamless links to the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, the Delhi–Jaipur Expressway, and the fast-expanding hubs of Manesar, Sohna, and Jaipur.

From Delays to Demand

For years, the Dwarka Expressway was hampered by land acquisition challenges and legal hurdles. But its recent completion marks a turning point. Developers from across India, including leading luxury and mid-segment builders, have moved in aggressively.

A series of housing projects, builder floors, retail complexes, and office spaces now lining the corridor. Industry watchers credit the boom to two key drivers—world-class infrastructure and rapid urbanisation.

A Magnet for Investors

The expressway’s strategic positioning—minutes from IGI Airport and intersecting major highways—has made it a magnet for corporates, retail brands, and homebuyers. High visibility, accessibility, and footfall potential have transformed it into one of NCR’s most promising real estate belts.

“Dwarka Expressway has become NCR’s fastest-growing premium corridor, witnessing a 153% price increase in five years driven by genuine end-user demand. With an average price of ₹14,342 per sq ft and over 25,000 new housing units expected in the next three years, it is now a benchmark for premium urban planning and connectivity,” Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman, Signature Global (India) Ltd.

The Numbers Behind the Boom

Project Launches: As per Anarock research as many as 59 residential projects comprising approx. 35,210 units have been launched at Dwarka Expressway between 2019 till H1 2025.

Price Trends:

Real estate experts said, M3M and Signature Global priced ultra-luxury units were at ₹3,000–₹9,000 per sq ft in 2020. Comparable resale prices now range from ₹9,000 to ₹15,000 per sq ft in 2025.

Average rates at ₹12,257 per sq ft, with ultra-premium listings touching ₹88,888 per sq ft. Luxury segment prices have risen from ₹8,500 to ₹25,000 per sq ft since 2019. Retail spaces have appreciated from ₹35,000 to ₹60,000 per sq ft in the same period.

Investor Journeys

Those who sold three to four years ago and re-entered the market are largely satisfied, while investors who exited before 2020 often regret missing the steep appreciation.

Experts said, between 2010 and 2016, sentiment was muted due to stalled infrastructure. Post-2016, as momentum returned and marquee developers entered, values surged. One standout example is M3M Crown, launched in 2021 at ₹13,000 per sq ft and now selling for ₹25,000 per sq ft.

Premium Projects Setting New Standards

The expressway is now home to a roster of high-end developments: BPTP Amstoria Verti Greens & GAIA Residences, Sector 102, M3M Crown, Sector 11, Puri Diplomatic Greens, Sector 111, Emaar Urban Ascent & Experion Windchants, Sector 112, Sobha International City, Sector 109, Indiabulls Enigma, Sector 110, Elan Presidential, Sector 106, Hero Palatial, Sector 104, Westin Residency, Sector 103, Max Estates, Sector 36A, Krisumi Waterfall Residences.

Who’s Buying?

“From 2021–2024, investors made up around 70% of buyers, with end-users accounting for 30%. Recently, however, the trend is shifting toward more end-user purchases. Over-optimistic returns promised by agents in 2023–24 have not materialised for some investors, especially those entering at peak prices. Seasonal developer discounts during festivals have further pressured resale values,” Pradeep Mishra, a real estate expert said.

Sector Highlights

First few sectors starting from Delhi are sector 111, 113 and 110. The farther end of the expressway also has sector 109 and sector 37 and sector 83.

Housing Typologies

Before 2018, launches catered mainly to the mid-segment. Today, luxury and ultra-luxury dominate, with most projects offering 3BHK and 4BHK apartments. Villas are rare due to high land costs — Sobha International City in Sector 109 remains the only major villa township.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Direct link from Dwarka (Delhi) to Sector 83 (Gurugram) and NH-48. Urban Extension Road-2 (UER-2) will soon further enhance connectivity.

Metro Access: Nearest station is Sector 21, Dwarka. A proposed station in Sector 111 and an approved station in Sector 104 will improve public transport links.

Drainage: GMDA’s 7.59 km drainage system in Sectors 112–115, with a pumping station, is targeted for completion by May 2026.

Social Amenities: Top schools like DPS, advanced healthcare at Sheetla Mata Hospital and Vibrant Hospital, plus upcoming multi-speciality centres.

Workplace Connectivity

The Dwarka Expressway is significantly boosting connectivity to major employment hubs including Cyber City, Aerocity, and Udyog Vihar. Travel from Sector 111 to DLF Cyber Hub via the Airport Tunnel now takes about 20 minutes, from Sector 104 around 45 minutes, Sector 99 approximately 40 minutes, and Sector 84 close to 50 minutes, offering a high-speed link that is reducing travel friction across the region.

“We are witnessing a significant surge in demand for luxury housing across India’s major cities, indicating a decisive shift in buyer preferences. Today’s homebuyers prioritize more than just location and square footage; they actively seek lifestyle enhancements, advanced infrastructure, and seamless connectivity. In Delhi-NCR, this trend is particularly pronounced along the Dwarka Expressway, which has quickly emerged as a promising micro-market and is attracting the attention of discerning buyers. As an investment corridor, the Dwarka Expressway showcases rapid infrastructure growth and steady price appreciation,” Rohit Kishore, CEO, Hero Realty said.

Case Study: Civic infrastructure gaps in the Dwarka Expressway residential area

The Dwarka Expressway, originally envisioned as a premium residential corridor, has emerged as high-potential real estate zone. However, despite large-scale investments and rapid housing construction, civic infrastructure has failed to keep pace with residential growth.

Residents said multiple sectors, including 99A to 115, have incomplete or deteriorating internal roads and frequent waterlogging, affecting daily commutes and safety. The absence of service roads on both sides of the 75-metre-wide expressway forces motorists to take unsafe routes or drive on the wrong side, increasing the risk of accidents.

“The lack of service roads has made commuting unsafe. With no designated lanes, wrong-side driving is common, leading to narrow escapes and fatal accidents. Residents of Heritage Max, Suncity Avenue, and Emaar Gurgaon Greens are facing huge problems due to deteriorating road conditions near Dhankot village. Covering a 300-metre stretch takes up to 1.5 hours. During rain, internal sector roads witness severe waterlogging. We have raised concerns before the competent authority, but no results are visible on the ground,” said P. N. Mishra, General Secretary of the Suncity Avenue Society Sector-102.

Poor footpath connectivity discourages safe walking and limits mobility for the elderly, children, and differently-abled residents, he added.

Electrical Infrastructure Failures

“Sectors like 104 face persistent power cuts and voltage fluctuations due to underdeveloped power distribution systems. Unstable voltage supply has repeatedly damaged household electronics. Poor street lighting increases the risk of thefts and accidents, and makes night-time movement unsafe for pedestrians. Property rates are increasing, but the infrastructure here is in poor condition,” said Anil Raghav, a resident of Sector 104.

Transport Challenges

Motorcyclists are barred from using the main expressway, limiting mobility for those without cars. Residents are compelled to rely on private vehicles or ride-sharing apps due to the absence of local bus or shuttle networks.

“We need basic public transport like buses. This is a growing area, but without it, many residents feel cut off,” said Neeru Sharma, a resident of Sector 103.

Traffic Mess

Residents commuting from areas along the Dwarka Expressway said it takes them between one hour to one hour and 15 minutes to reach DLF Cyber Hub, and around 50 minutes to get to Udyog Vihar. The delays persist despite the relatively short distances, as daily traffic congestion builds up after crossing the expressway.

Commuters said bottlenecks occur on connecting stretches such as Bajghera Flyover, Basai Flyover, Sector-9, and near Ambience Mall, slowing travel to key employment hubs.

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