The Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway’s final 76-km stretch from Igatpuri to Amane will be completed by the end of February. This will allow vehicles to access the motorway from Bhiwandi. Currently, the last phase of work, including lane marking and painting, is underway and is set to finish between February 25 and 27. With this, the commuters can most likely use Samruddhi Mahamarg to reach Mumbai from March.
As per reports, the road is almost ready for public use. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has confirmed that the expressway will be inaugurated in March. A ceremony might happen depending on the availability of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers.
The expressway currently runs for 625 km, starting from Igatpuri near Nashik to Nagpur. The opening of the Igatpuri-Amane stretch was initially planned for November–December 2024 but was delayed due to election and portfolio allocation issues. MSRDC then decided to complete the entire section before opening it at once.
The motorway has been opened in phases over the years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first 520-km stretch from Nagpur to Shirdi in December 2022. In May 2023, the then Chief Minister Eknath Shinde opened a 105-km section from Shirdi to Bharvir. A 25-km stretch from Bharvir to Igatpuri was made accessible to drivers in March 2024 without an official ceremony.
The expressway ends at Amane, where it connects to the under-construction Mumbai-Vadodara Expressway, linking Jawaharlal Nehru Port to Gujarat. A temporary link has been built to connect the Samruddhi Expressway with the Mumbai-Nashik Highway.
Also Read: Samruddhi Mahamarg: 14 tunnels on Mumbai-Nagpur expressway to feature Warli graffiti
The project was announced in November 2015, and construction began in February 2019. It was divided into 16 construction packages. Toll collection has been approved for 40 years. The motorway is designed for speeds of up to 150 km/h and includes modern features like flyovers, pedestrian crossings, and animal underpasses.
Despite its advanced infrastructure, citizens have complained about the lack of amenities. Many drivers struggle to find rest stops and food options. This makes long journeys difficult. To address this, MSRDC is setting up 10 utility areas along the route. These will include restaurants, gas stations, and rest areas.
The new stretch will reduce travel time and is also expected to ease congestion on other highways.
Read More: Samruddhi Expressway to be extended connecting Jalna and Nanded; Reducing Travel Time by Half
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