Mumbai’s Samruddhi Expressway is rapidly establishing itself as a pivotal economic corridor, with its recent full operational status significantly impacting regional connectivity and commerce. The 701-kilometre Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg has emerged as the state’s second-highest toll earner, generating substantial revenue in its initial month of complete functionality. This engineering marvel, designed to drastically cut travel times between major urban centres, underscores Maharashtra’s commitment to modern infrastructure development, fostering sustainable economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.
The ambitious greenfield corridor, a project valued at over ₹55,335 crore, now provides a direct link between Amane in the Thane district and Shivmadka in Nagpur. Its completion has reduced the journey between Mumbai and Nagpur to a mere seven hours, while the Amane-Igatpuri stretch is now traversable in just 40 minutes. This accelerated connectivity is crucial for businesses and individuals alike, facilitating faster movement of goods and people, thereby boosting trade and tourism across the state and contributing to a more dynamic and equitable economic landscape. The expressway’s robust design incorporates 73 bridges, five twin tunnels, and 22 facility centres, alongside eco-sensitive underpasses and overpasses specifically engineered for wildlife movement. These features highlight a conscious effort towards sustainable infrastructure that minimises environmental impact while maximising utility.
The six-lane carriageway, expandable to eight, traverses 10 districts with 24 interchanges and 65 flyovers, ensuring seamless and efficient transit for a diverse range of vehicles, from light motor vehicles to heavy construction machinery. In its first month of full operation, from June 6 to July 6, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation collected approximately ₹90 crore in toll revenue. The Amane plaza alone recorded 1.97 lakh vehicles, generating ₹19.2 crore, while the Khutghar plaza saw 27,612 vehicles, contributing ₹98 lakh. These figures underscore the immediate and significant adoption of the expressway by motorists, reflecting its perceived value in terms of time savings and improved travel comfort, despite the recently revised toll rates. The toll structure, which saw an increase effective April 1, 2025, with further adjustments slated for April 2028 and April 2031, positions the expressway as a premium transport artery.
For light motor vehicles, the full 701-kilometre journey now costs ₹1,717.45, while oversized vehicles with seven or more axles pay ₹11,103.84. This tiered pricing model aims to ensure the long-term financial viability of the project and support ongoing maintenance, though it also prompts a discussion on accessibility for all segments of society. The expressway’s success, alongside the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, as a top toll earner, reinforces its strategic importance in Maharashtra’s economic framework.
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