HomeLatestCM Fadnavis to open final Samruddhi Mahamarg section on June 5

CM Fadnavis to open final Samruddhi Mahamarg section on June 5

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is set to inaugurate the final 76-km stretch of the Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, also known as the Nagpur–Mumbai Super Communication Expressway, on Thursday, June 5.

With this last leg between Igatpuri in Nashik and Amane in Thane opening to traffic, the entire 701-kilometre greenfield expressway will become operational — transforming the way people and goods move across the state. According to senior officials at the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), all construction work on this segment has been completed, including the development of three critical interchanges and the longest road tunnel in India. Built at an estimated cost of ₹1,182 crore, the final stretch was executed through joint investment by the MSRDC and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

“This marks the completion of one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in India’s recent history,” said officials from the Chief Minister’s Office. “It has the potential to redefine intra-state connectivity, significantly reduce carbon emissions, and boost economic activity across central and western Maharashtra.” The newly opened section will bypass the treacherous Kasara Ghat climb that currently forces motorists on the old Mumbai-Nashik highway to ascend 450 metres via hairpin bends. The new alignment limits the elevation gain to just 160 metres and reduces travel time between Igatpuri and Amane from 90 minutes to a swift 40 minutes. This tunnel-led segment, spanning 7.8 kilometres, is now the longest in the country’s road network and a feat of engineering precision.

The expressway as a whole is designed for speeds of up to 150 kilometres per hour and spans 10 districts and 390 villages. With 33 major bridges, 274 minor bridges, 65 flyovers, and six tunnels, the ₹55,000-crore corridor embodies India’s commitment to world-class road infrastructure and long-distance sustainable mobility. Experts believe the expressway will cut the journey time between Mumbai and Nagpur from the current 16 hours to just eight hours, reshaping everything from tourism to supply chain logistics across the state. This final launch follows a phased inauguration schedule. The first phase between Nagpur and Shirdi was opened in December 2022 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The second phase covering Shirdi to Bharvir (Nashik) was inaugurated in May 2023, followed by the third stretch from Bharvir to Igatpuri in March 2024. Thursday’s final opening will complete the entire corridor from Nagpur to Mumbai, including the newly added Igatpuri-Amane connector.

The expressway, named after Balasaheb Thackeray, was originally conceptualised under the leadership of CM Devendra Fadnavis in his previous term. The project was initially met with stiff resistance from farmers, primarily due to concerns around land acquisition. However, officials say the state took a consultative approach, addressing stakeholder grievances and offering fair compensation packages to enable faster land pooling and project execution. Over the years, the Samruddhi Mahamarg has come to represent more than just a road. It is being viewed as a backbone for Maharashtra’s decentralised development. Along the corridor, 24 planned nodes — often termed prosperity hubs — are being developed to encourage industrial clusters, agri-logistics, and local employment. The state is also promoting electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and roadside green zones to align the highway with low-emission transport goals.

According to infrastructure experts, this expressway could serve as a model for future long-haul corridors in India. “Its design, access control, and economic integration strategy make it a template for sustainable and inclusive infrastructure,” said a senior highway planner. Notably, the expressway is also being monitored under the Centre’s ‘green highway’ standards. MSRDC has planted over 5 lakh trees along the route, using drip irrigation and solar energy for maintenance. Service roads, wildlife crossings, and trauma care centres have been built at regular intervals, adding safety and resilience to the network.

With Maharashtra grappling with urban congestion and rising freight demand, the Samruddhi Mahamarg could become a lifeline that enables decongestion of urban cores, while also offering a clean, high-speed option for long-distance haulage and passenger mobility. Officials confirmed that additional connectivity links to the Navi Mumbai International Airport, JNPT Port, and other economic zones are under planning to further enhance the highway’s utility. As the highway opens in its entirety on Thursday, citizens, businesses, and policymakers alike will be watching closely. It is not just about reaching Mumbai or Nagpur faster anymore—it’s about redefining how India builds its roads, connects its people, and grows its economy.

Also Read : Chennai Faces Severe Traffic as Schools Reopen

CM Fadnavis to open final Samruddhi Mahamarg section on June 5
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