NAGPUR-MUMBAI SAMRUDDHI EXPRESSWAY FOR TRANSPORTERS

The Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway, a transformative project in Maharashtra, promises to enhance connectivity and spur economic growth. Upendra Kasbekar checks the on ground progress.

- Upendra Kasbekar

The Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway, also known as the Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, stands as a testament to Maharashtra’s commitment to transport infrastructure development. Spanning approximately 701 kms, this six-lane access-controlled highway promises to revolutionise connectivity between the two major cities, the financial capital Mumbai and the orange city Nagpur. It is expected to enhance economic growth and improve the state’s overall transportation network with the travel time reduced to eight hours against 18 hours previously. On the ground, transporters have begun to reap benefits through the open stretches. However, it is also true that the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has admitted to the final 76 km stretch being delayed. It is expected to open by December 2024 against the set deadline of September 24 as per the latest reports. In recent media interaction Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) highlighted, “The Samruddhi Mahamarg is not just an expressway; it is a lifeline for the people of Maharashtra, connecting rural areas to urban centres and facilitating economic growth. This expressway will reduce travel time significantly, contributing to the development of industries and agriculture in the region. It embodies our commitment to building world-class infrastructure in India.” The expressway was budgeted for at an initial cost of Rs. 55,000 crore passing through 10 districts and passing through urban centres Amravati, Aurangabad and North Maharashtra.

CURRENT STATUS OF THE EXPRESSWAY