January 14, 2026: In a major infrastructure boost for Maharashtra, the Samruddhi Expressway is set to be directly connected to Mumbai’s Eastern Freeway, a move expected to significantly ease travel between Nashik and Mumbai. The proposed link forms part of the state government’s broader master plan to decongest key highway junctions and improve road connectivity to the financial capital.
The Nagpur–Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway has already reduced long-distance travel time across the state. However, vehicles currently face severe congestion at Amne Phata in Bhiwandi, where the expressway meets the Mumbai–Agra National Highway. Persistent traffic jams at this junction make it difficult for motorists to proceed smoothly towards Mumbai, often negating the time saved on the expressway.
To address this bottleneck, the government has decided to create an additional route from Amne Phata that will directly connect the Samruddhi Expressway to the Eastern Freeway. This new alignment is expected to allow vehicles to bypass congestion-prone stretches and enter Mumbai more seamlessly. According to the plan, motorists travelling from Nashik will be able to avoid chronic traffic snarls that have long plagued the area.
At present, congestion on the Nashik–Mumbai highway often stretches travel time to seven or eight hours, prompting many commuters to opt for rail travel instead of road journeys. The direct connection to the Eastern Freeway is aimed at resolving this long-standing issue by offering a faster and more reliable road alternative.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that once the new link becomes operational, the Nashik–Mumbai journey could be completed in just two to two-and-a-half hours. The improved connectivity is expected to benefit thousands of daily commuters, commercial transporters, and long-distance travellers using the Samruddhi Expressway to reach Mumbai.
Overall, the proposed expressway-to-freeway connection is expected to ease traffic congestion, enhance travel efficiency, and strengthen Maharashtra’s road infrastructure network, making intercity travel faster and more convenient for residents and businesses alike.
