Samruddhi Expressway, is slated to open on June 5, completing the entire 701-kilometre Mumbai-Nagpur high-speed corridor.
The last 76-kilometre stretch, linking Igatpuri in Nashik district to Amane in Thane, is expected to transform travel and trade between western Maharashtra and central India, further consolidating the state’s position as an economic powerhouse. Officials from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and the Chief Minister’s office have confirmed that all construction work on this concluding phase is now complete. This segment, built at a cost of approximately Rs 1,182 crore, is jointly funded by the MSRDC and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). It includes three critical interchanges at Igatpuri, Kutghar in Shahapur, and Amane in Thane, as well as India’s longest road tunnel, spanning 7.8 kilometres through the challenging Kasara Ghat terrain.
The new stretch replaces the notoriously winding and steep Kasara Ghat route, which previously required vehicles to climb 450 metres. The expressway reduces the elevation to just 160 metres, significantly easing travel for commuters and freight carriers. This engineering feat cuts travel time between Igatpuri and Amane from 90 minutes to a mere 40 minutes. With the final section operational, the entire Mumbai-Nagpur route will see journey times reduced from 16 hours to just eight, a major milestone for Maharashtra’s infrastructure landscape. This expressway is designed for speeds up to 150 kmph and features a blend of advanced engineering and sustainability-focused construction practices. The project includes 33 major bridges, 274 minor bridges, 65 flyovers, and six tunnels, reflecting the scale and complexity of the endeavour. The Kasara Ghat tunnel alone represents a significant achievement, not only from an engineering perspective but also as a measure to reduce environmental disruption in a sensitive ecological zone.
The Samruddhi Expressway, officially named Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, represents a transformative boost to Maharashtra’s economic infrastructure. Passing through ten districts and nearly 400 villages, the corridor is set to enhance regional connectivity, promote trade, and stimulate economic activity across agricultural, industrial, and service sectors. By halving the travel time between Mumbai and Nagpur, the expressway enables faster movement of goods and labour, lowering logistics costs and improving supply chain efficiency. This infrastructure improvement is expected to attract investments in manufacturing hubs, warehousing, and allied sectors, promoting more equitable regional development.
Critically, the expressway’s design reflects contemporary commitments to sustainable infrastructure. With reduced elevation climbs and a carefully engineered alignment, fuel consumption and vehicle emissions are expected to decrease significantly along the route. The project incorporates measures to mitigate environmental impact, including afforestation efforts, wildlife crossings, and water management systems designed to conserve local ecosystems. The expressway’s journey from concept to completion was not without hurdles. Early stages saw resistance from local farmers concerned about land acquisition, compensation, and the socio-economic impact of the project. Authorities engaged in multiple rounds of dialogue and negotiations, balancing development imperatives with the rights and livelihoods of affected communities.
Phased inauguration helped maintain momentum. The Nagpur-Shirdi section opened in December 2022, followed by the Shirdi-Bharvir stretch in mid-2023, and then the Bharvir-Igatpuri link in early 2024. The final stretch now completes this high-speed corridor, unlocking its full potential. The Samruddhi Expressway exemplifies Maharashtra’s ambition to lead in infrastructure innovation and sustainable urbanisation. Beyond just a transport link, it represents a strategic investment in the state’s socio-economic fabric, enabling inclusive growth by connecting rural hinterlands with major urban centres.
Officials highlight that the project’s success can serve as a blueprint for similar mega infrastructure ventures across India, where rapid urbanisation and industrialisation require balanced, climate-conscious solutions. The expressway’s ability to cut travel time while reducing carbon footprint exemplifies the synergy between economic development and environmental stewardship. With the final 76-kilometre segment opening on June 5, Maharashtra is set to unveil a seamless high-speed expressway spanning over 700 kilometres, enhancing mobility, trade, and regional integration. The expressway is expected to catalyse economic growth, foster sustainable development, and improve quality of life for millions across the state.
The coming months will be critical in observing how the expressway integrates with local transport networks and supports equitable development initiatives. Authorities and experts will monitor traffic patterns, environmental impact, and economic indicators to assess long-term benefits. As Maharashtra strides forward with the Samruddhi Expressway fully operational, it positions itself at the forefront of India’s infrastructure evolution — one that marries speed, sustainability, and social equity to build a future-ready transport corridor.
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