701 Km Samruddhi Expressway Nears Completion, Final Stretch Ready

Introduction

The Samruddhi Expressway, now fully connected, links Mumbai to Nagpur through a 701-kilometre high-speed corridor. The last 76-km section, between Igatpuri and Amane, is now operational—marking the project's completion.

Final Section: Built for Speed, Designed for Relief

This final leg, built at a cost of ₹1,182 crore, was co-funded by the MSRDC and the NHAI. It adds three crucial interchanges—at Igatpuri, Kutghar in Shahapur, and Amane in Thane—to the network. It also introduces India’s longest road tunnel, measuring 7.8 km, through Kasara Ghat.

Where earlier drivers had to climb 450 metres along winding ghat roads, the new route reduces elevation to 160 metres, straightens the path, and slashes the Igatpuri-Amane travel time from 90 minutes to 40 minutes.

Entire Expressway: Operational, Optimized, and Fast

With the last stretch in place, the entire expressway is now operational. Designed for speeds up to 150 kmph, the project brings Mumbai-Nagpur travel time down from 16 hours to just 8 hours.

The corridor features:

• 33 major bridges
  
• 274 minor bridges
  
• 65 flyovers
  
• Six tunnels
  

Project Vision: Infrastructure for Growth

The Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg was envisioned by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to enhance state-wide connectivity and foster economic development.

The expressway moves through 10 districts and connects 390 villages, boosting access to markets, healthcare, and job opportunities in rural and semi-urban areas.

Timeline: Phased Openings, Consistent Progress

Despite initial resistance over land acquisition, especially from farmers, the project moved forward phase by phase:

• Nagpur to Shirdi was opened in December 2022, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  
• Shirdi to Bharvir went live in May 2023, launched by then CM Eknath Shinde.
  
• Bharvir to Igatpuri was completed in March 2024, led by MSRDC minister Dada Bhuse.
  

Conclusion: Highway as a Growth Engine

This expressway does more than save time. It reshapes Maharashtra’s logistics, creates a freight-friendly corridor, and paves the way for industrial decentralization. It will ease pressure on existing highways, promote balanced regional development, and attract investment across its route.

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