The final 76-kilometre stretch of the Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway, famously known as the Samruddhi Mahamarg, is set to open today, June 5, 2025, marking the full operational completion of India’s fastest expressway.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will inaugurate this crucial segment, which connects Igatpuri in Nashik to Amane in Thane, successfully bridging the challenging mountainous terrain that represented the last missing link in the ambitious 701-kilometre corridor. This engineering marvel is poised to drastically reduce travel time between Mumbai and Nagpur from a arduous 16 hours to a mere 8 hours, fundamentally transforming connectivity across Maharashtra and offering profound benefits for both citizens and commerce.
The Samruddhi Mahamarg, constructed at an estimated cost of ₹1,182 crore with funding from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), embodies state-of-the-art infrastructure designed for unparalleled efficiency and safety. Engineered for speeds up to 150 km/h, it boasts three major interchanges at Igatpuri, Kutghar (Shahapur), and Amane (Thane). A highlight of its design is India’s longest road tunnel, a 7.8-kilometre marvel at Kasara Ghat, which alone slashes travel time between Igatpuri and Kasara to a mere eight minutes, circumventing the previously winding and steep ghat roads.
This greenfield route is an expansive network featuring 65 flyovers, 24 interchanges, six tunnels, 33 major bridges, 274 minor bridges, and over 300 pedestrian underpasses, meticulously designed to ensure smooth and uninterrupted travel. The expressway traverses 10 districts and connects 390 villages, significantly enhancing connectivity across the heartland of Maharashtra. Its strategic importance extends beyond regional links, as it establishes a direct, high-speed conduit between the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in Mumbai—the nation’s largest container port—and the Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN). This makes the Samruddhi Mahamarg a critical logistics corridor, poised to accelerate national and international trade and underpin robust economic growth across Maharashtra and beyond.
For travellers, the completion of the expressway signifies a monumental shift. The previously challenging ascent of 450 metres through narrow, winding paths of Kasara Ghat is now entirely bypassed. The new route promises a remarkably smoother and safer journey, drastically reducing traffic congestion and travel fatigue. This improved connectivity directly supports efforts to create more accessible and gender-neutral cities by offering reliable transportation that is safer for all users, including women and children. The reduced travel time also means more time for personal pursuits and less time on the road, contributing to a better quality of life.
The Samruddhi Mahamarg stands as a testament to sustainable infrastructure development. By providing a high-speed, efficient alternative to older, often congested routes, it is expected to reduce fuel consumption and vehicular emissions, thereby contributing to lower carbon footprints and supporting the goal of zero net carbon transportation. Its design elements, including extensive greenfield development and numerous underpasses, indicate a thoughtful approach to environmental integration and wildlife passage, promoting an eco-friendly transport corridor. For businesses, the expressway is a game-changer, offering a faster and more reliable route for the movement of goods between key commercial hubs, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of supply chains and fostering a more resilient state economy.
This high-speed corridor is more than just a road; it is a catalyst for Maharashtra’s infrastructure and economic transformation. It embodies a commitment to modern, sustainable development that benefits every segment of society by improving mobility, fostering economic growth, and enhancing environmental quality. The full operationalisation of the Samruddhi Mahamarg heralds a new era of connectivity for Maharashtra, solidifying its position as a leading state in India’s economic growth trajectory.
Also Read: Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway Fully Opens June 6
