Mumbai: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is set to inaugurate the final 76-km stretch of the Nagpur-Mumbai Super Communication Expressway, popularly known as the 'Samruddhi Mahamarg', on June 5. This final leg, connecting Igatpuri in Nashik to Amane in Thane, marks the completion of the 701-km high-speed corridor.
The stretch will be opened to traffic the same day, confirmed Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) managing director Anil Gaikwad and officials from the Chief Minister’s Office, according to a Hindustan Times report. Gaikwad stated that all construction work on the final segment is complete.
Details On The Final Stretch Of Samruddhi Expressway
Built at a cost of Rs 1,182 crore, this segment was jointly funded by the MSRDC and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). It features three key interchanges, at Igatpuri, Kutghar in Shahapur and Amane near Thane, as well as India’s longest road tunnel, stretching 7.8 km through the Kasara Ghat region.
The new stretch offers a major upgrade over the existing Mumbai-Nashik route, where motorists had to climb 450 metres through the winding roads of Kasara Ghat. The expressway reduces the elevation to just 160 metres and cuts travel time between Igatpuri and Amane from 90 minutes to just 40 minutes.
Key Features Of Mega Project
With this final link operational, the entire 701-km expressway will be fully functional, slashing the journey time between Mumbai and Nagpur from 16 hours to just eight. The Rs 55,000-crore project is designed for speeds up to 150 kmph and includes 33 major bridges, 274 minor bridges, 65 flyovers and six tunnels.
The expressway, officially named Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, was envisioned by CM Fadnavis. Though the project faced initial resistance from farmers over land acquisition, it gradually gained momentum.
The project was completed in phases: the Nagpur-Shirdi section was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2022; the Shirdi-Bharvir (Nashik) stretch was opened in May 2023 by then CM Eknath Shinde; and the Bharvir-Igatpuri section was launched by MSRDC minister Dada Bhuse in March 2024.
Passing through 10 districts and 390 villages, the expressway is expected to significantly enhance connectivity, promote trade, and boost economic development across Maharashtra.
