A New Era of Connectivity: Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg Inaugurated

A Dream Realized: The 701-Kilometre Journey

On June 5, 2025, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the final 76-kilometre stretch of the Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, a transformative infrastructure project that spans 701 kilometres, connecting 24 districts across Vidarbha, Marathwada, and North Maharashtra. This momentous occasion marks the culmination of a journey that began with the inauguration of the first 520-kilometer segment from Nagpur to Shirdi by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 11, 2022.

A Series of Milestones

The journey to completion has been a remarkable one, with each phase marking a significant milestone. The second phase, an 80-kilometer stretch from Shirdi (Kokanmathan) in Ahmednagar district to Bharvir Dhantore in Nashik district, was opened by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on May 26, 2023. The third phase, covering 25 kilometers from Bharvir Dhantore to Hutatma Point, was launched by Public Works Minister Dada Bhuse on May 4, 2024. Each of these phases has brought the state closer to realizing its vision of a seamless, high-speed connectivity network.

The Final Stretch: A Marvel of Engineering

The final 76-kilometre section, which cuts through the rugged Sahyadri mountain range across Nashik and Thane districts, is a testament to human ingenuity and engineering prowess. This stretch boasts five double tunnels totalling 10.73 kilometres (21.46 kilometres with both carriageways), including the tunnel at Panke (Igatpuri), which stretches 8 kilometres and stands as Maharashtra’s longest and widest at 17.61 meters, with a height of 9.12 meters. This marvel of engineering will enable the Igatpuri to Kasara stretch to be traversed in just eight minutes, providing a vital alternative to the congested Kasara ghat on National Highway 3 and promising smoother traffic movement.

Revolutionizing Travel and Commerce

The completion of this stretch will have a profound impact on travel and commerce in the region. The journey from Thane (Amane) to Nagpur will be reduced to approximately eight hours, making it an attractive option for travelers and traders alike. Moreover, the enhanced accessibility will benefit farmers in Shirdi, Ahmednagar, and the Sinnar and Igatpuri areas of Nashik by expediting the transport of agricultural goods to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The six-lane highway will also link Nagpur, Wardha, Amravati, Washim, Buldhana, Jalna, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Ahmednagar, Nashik, and Thane, while indirectly connecting 14 other districts.

A New Era of Connectivity

The Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg is more than just a highway – it’s a symbol of progress and development. With speed limits set at 100 kilometres per hour on inclines and 120 kilometres per hour on flat terrain, the route slashes the traditional 17-18-hour Nagpur-to-Mumbai journey to just eight hours via the new Greenfield Expressway. This will not only save time and fuel but also reduce the risk of accidents and promote economic growth. Additionally, the highway will link Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in Mumbai to Mihan in Nagpur, facilitating rapid goods transportation across India and beyond.

A Bright Future Ahead

As we look to the future, it’s clear that the Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg will play a vital role in shaping the state’s economy and infrastructure. With its completion, Maharashtra is poised to become a hub for trade and commerce, attracting investment and creating new opportunities for growth and development. The project is a testament to the state’s commitment to progress and its determination to provide its citizens with world-class infrastructure.

Key Highlights

• The Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg spans 701 kilometres, connecting 24 districts across Vidarbha, Marathwada, and North Maharashtra.
• The final 76-kilometre stretch features five double tunnels totalling 10.73 kilometres (21.46 kilometres with both carriageways).
• The tunnel at Panke (Igatpuri) is Maharashtra’s longest and widest at 17.61 meters, with a height of 9.12 meters.
• The highway will reduce travel time from Thane (Amane) to Nagpur to approximately eight hours.
• The project will enhance accessibility for commuters from Thane and Mumbai to Shirdi and benefit farmers in the region.

Conclusion

The inauguration of the Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg marks a new era of connectivity and progress in the state. With its completion, Maharashtra is poised to become a hub for trade and commerce, attracting investment and creating new opportunities for growth and development. As we look to the future, it’s clear that this project will have a lasting impact on the state’s economy and infrastructure, providing its citizens with a better quality of life and a brighter future.

Content originally published by www.indiatoday.in