Samruddhi Mahamarg
The Samruddhi Mahamarg, also known as Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, is a monumental road infrastructure initiative in Maharashtra. This 701-km expressway connects Mumbai to Nagpur, dramatically reducing travel time to just seven hours. The project was officially inaugurated on June 5, 2025, with the final 76-km stretch from Igatpuri to Amane now operational.
The Project
The Samruddhi Mahamarg was conceived in 2016 during Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s tenure. It is a greenfield expressway designed to enhance connectivity between Maharashtra’s commercial and winter capitals. The project cost approximately Rs 55,335 crore and required the acquisition of over 8,800 hectares of land from nearly 24,000 farmers across 10 districts.
Key Features
The expressway is primarily a six-lane, access-controlled corridor, expandable to eight lanes. Its design focuses on high-speed travel and safety. The first phase was inaugurated in December 2022, and the project aims to provide a world-class driving experience.
Impact on Travel Times
The expressway reduces travel time. The newly inaugurated stretch cuts the journey between Amane and Igatpuri from over 90 minutes to just 40 minutes. This new alignment avoids the steep climbs of the old Mumbai-Nashik Highway, enhancing fuel efficiency and travel comfort.
Connectivity Improvements
While the expressway is often referred to as the Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway, it begins at Amane, about 63 km from Mumbai’s administrative centre, Mantralaya. The nearest access point for Mumbaikars is near Bhiwandi, which is a logistics hub. The Maharashtra government has proposed upgrades to the Mumbai-Nashik Highway to improve access to the expressway.
Challenges and Future Developments
Despite its potential, the project has faced challenges. The Mumbai-Nashik Highway, known for bottlenecks, requires upgrades. A Rs 1,252 crore project to widen the road and construct new bridges was initiated in 2019 but has faced delays. The completion deadline is now set for the end of 2025.
Significance for Maharashtra
The Samruddhi Mahamarg is expected to transform transportation in Maharashtra. It aims to boost economic activities, facilitate trade, and improve overall connectivity. The expressway is a vital component of the state’s infrastructure development strategy.
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