The final 76-kilometre stretch of the Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway, connecting Igatpuri in Nashik to Amane near Thane, will officially open on June 6. This milestone completes the 701-kilometre expressway that links Nagpur to the outskirts of Mumbai, transforming travel across Maharashtra. The expressway is set to drastically reduce journey times, improve safety, and drive regional development, particularly in logistics.
The opening ceremony will be presided over by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, marking a key moment in the state’s connectivity progress. This final segment, built at a cost of ₹1,182 crore by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), traverses the challenging Kasara Ghat. Previously, it took over 90 minutes to navigate this stretch, but the new route will reduce travel time to just 30-40 minutes, offering both safety and efficiency improvements.
Once fully operational, the expressway will cut the journey between Nagpur and Thane by half, reducing the trip to approximately eight hours. However, access from Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai remains temporarily limited due to the ongoing construction of the Vadpe interchange. This key connector, expected to be ready by mid-2026, will link the Samruddhi Mahamarg with the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and the national highway network, enhancing connectivity to critical hubs like the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT).
Until the Vadpe interchange is completed, vehicles will access the expressway via a temporary route near Shangrila Resort on the Mumbai-Nashik Highway. This interim solution will remain in place for at least a year.
The Samruddhi Expressway will significantly benefit Maharashtra’s logistics sector, tourism, and agriculture. It will offer quicker access to religious sites like Shirdi and improve the movement of agricultural produce, empowering farmers and bolstering supply chains. This landmark project underscores Maharashtra’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive development
Source: Urban Acres
