September 25, 2025: The Hindu Hridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, one of India’s longest expressways, is set to go solar as the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) begins installing solar panels along the corridor through a private renewable energy partner. The first installations have been completed at Karjalad in Buldhana and at the Mehkar Interchange in Washim district.
Stretching 701 kilometres and linking Nagpur with Mumbai, the expressway has already witnessed traffic from over 2.5 crore vehicles since its inauguration on December 11, 2022. The idea of harnessing solar power was conceived during the planning stages, and once fully operational, the project aims to generate 204 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy. This will power expressway lighting and also contribute to the state electricity grid through power purchase agreements.
In the initial phase, a total of 5 MW is being produced—3 MW from Karjalad and 2 MW from Mehkar. The Mehkar site began generating electricity on Monday. “Through solar power, the MSRDC intends to tap a new source of revenue. This would be apart from the toll collections made and leasing out spaces along the expressway for public conveniences,” said an MSRDC official.
The generated electricity will be supplied under a 2022 agreement between Mahasamruddhi Renewable Energy Limited, a special purpose vehicle of MSRDC, and the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited. Under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana (MSKVY), power will be sold at Rs 3.05 per unit.
“The idea is to implement solar energy projects not only on the Samruddhi Expressway, but also on the interchanges of other proposed expressways. Through solar energy generation, carbon credits will also be deposited in MSRDC’s account, and the profit will be used to take loans for infrastructure projects,” said Manuj Jindal, joint managing director, MSRDC.
Source: Hindustan Times
