The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has vowed to crack down on motorists illegally using the under-construction stretch of the Samruddhi Highway, raising concerns over road safety and construction delays.
The stretch in question, located between Amane and Shahapur, remains closed to public traffic as crucial work continues on the highway, but sources reveal that locals are repeatedly trespassing, endangering lives on the unfinished stretch. This stretch of the Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway, commonly known as the Samruddhi Mahamarg, was originally scheduled for opening in March. However, ongoing work on safety crash barriers and other infrastructure has delayed its inauguration. Despite the lack of official clearance, a growing number of private vehicles, goods carriers, and even two-wheelers are regularly using the road, particularly between Amane and Igatpuri. This activity has raised alarms among officials, as these unauthorized users are not only violating traffic regulations but also putting themselves at significant risk. According to MSRDC officials, the issue primarily stems from locals residing near the under-construction stretch. These individuals, it seems, have been bypassing barriers and using the highway for commuting. In some cases, they have even been caught speeding through unlit tunnels along the 76 km stretch between Amane and Shahapur. Sources familiar with the matter have confirmed that the tunnels, particularly those between Kasara and Igatpuri, remain unlit and unfinished, making driving conditions hazardous.
“We are aware of the illegal use of the highway stretch and have given clear instructions to the concerned officials to prevent further unauthorized access. While some locals are forcibly trespassing onto the route, we are committed to taking strict action against any violators,” an MSRDC official confirmed. The issue has been compounded by the lack of visible enforcement on the ground. As the highway remains closed for use, the highway traffic police have yet to begin regular patrolling on the stretch, adding to the feeling of impunity among motorists. A key part of this stretch includes the Kasara-Igatpuri tunnel, a crucial section of the highway that has now been locked to prevent vehicular access. The tunnel, spanning 7.78 km, connects Kasara to Igatpuri and is one of the most important features of the Samruddhi Mahamarg. MSRDC officials have taken this step as a temporary measure, hoping to deter further violations until the stretch is officially inaugurated.
As the construction progresses, the need for greater vigilance and law enforcement has become more urgent. Highway authorities have indicated that once the stretch is formally opened, additional staff, including Maharashtra Security Force (MSF) personnel, will be deployed to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of drivers. MSRDC officials have assured the public that once operational, the highway will meet the highest standards of safety, with adequate lighting, crash barriers, and traffic monitoring systems in place. In light of the ongoing safety concerns, the public has expressed frustration over the apparent laxity in enforcement. “It’s a matter of life and death. Locals using the stretch are not just putting themselves in danger, but also everyone else who travels on this route. Authorities need to step up and act immediately,” said a resident of Bhiwandi, who witnesses these violations on a daily basis. While MSRDC continues to address the issue, this situation underscores a broader challenge for India’s rapidly expanding highway network. The balance between infrastructure development and road safety remains precarious, with the need for stricter enforcement and early-stage awareness campaigns becoming more evident.
As the Samruddhi Highway nears its official opening, the actions taken by MSRDC to address the misuse of the under-construction stretch will be closely watched. For now, the focus remains on curbing illegal access and ensuring that the highway, once completed, will serve its intended purpose of providing a safer, faster route for travellers across Maharashtra.
