The final 76-kilometer section of the 701-kilometer Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Motorway, which connects Igatpuri to Amane, is anticipated to be opened on May 1, 2025, in conjunction with Maharashtra Day festivities, marking a significant improvement to Maharashtra’s transport infrastructure. According to sources, a second milestone in regional connection may be marked by the inauguration of the Thane Creek Bridge’s south-bound roadway.
Once fully operational, the expressway will drastically reduce travel time between Mumbai and Nagpur from the current 16 to 18 hours to an estimated 8 to 9 hours, dramatically improving mobility across the state. Anil Gaikwad, Managing Director of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), confirmed that both infrastructure projects are ready for launch. Their simultaneous opening is expected to greatly benefit commuters from Navi Mumbai and Pune, as well as future passengers using the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Officially named the Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Samruddhi Mahamarg, the expressway was first conceptualised by former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to enhance high-speed connectivity, ease congestion, and spur economic development across key districts. The expressway begins at Shivamadka village near Nagpur and stretches all the way to Thane district, traversing 11 districts including Nagpur, Wardha, Amravati, Washim, Buldhana, Jalna, Aurangabad (Sambhajinagar), Nashik, Ahmednagar, and Thane.
Engineered for speed and scalability, the expressway currently features six lanes and has been designed to support expansion to eight lanes. Vehicles will be permitted to travel at a maximum speed of 120 kilometres per hour. Among its many engineering feats are six tunnels — the most significant being the double-tube Kasara Ghat tunnel — along with 33 major bridges and 274 minor bridges. In line with global standards, the route is equipped with advanced CCTV surveillance, emergency helpline systems, designated rest areas, and electric vehicle charging stations.
In December 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the first phase of operations between Nagpur and Shirdi. One of India’s most cutting-edge, effective, and commuter-friendly motorways is expected to be built when the last section between Igatpuri and Amane is completed.
Source: News24
