By: Arvind Jadhav
Final Stretch Inauguration
Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will inaugurate the final stretch of the Nagpur-Mumbai Super Communication Express way, also known as the Samruddhi Express Way, on June 5. The 76-km stretch, which connects Igatpuri in Nashik to Amane in Thane, will be opened to traffic on the same day. Constructed at an estimated cost of ₹1,182 crore, jointly funded by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), this stretch features three interchanges and a 7.8-km tunnel, the longest highway tunnel in India.
Features and Benefits
The completion of this final stretch marks a significant milestone, as the entire 701-km expressway will now be fully operational. Travel time between Nagpur and Mumbai will be reduced from 16 hours to just eight hours. The highway, designed for speeds up to 150 km per hour, boasts 33 major bridges, 274 minor bridges, 65 flyovers, and six tunnels. By slashing elevation from 450 meters to 160 meters, the highway will reduce travel time between Igatpuri and Amane from 90 minutes to 40 minutes.
A Boost to Development
The Samruddhi Express Way is a brainchild of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and aims to boost travel, trade, and development across Maharashtra. Initially delayed due to land acquisition issues, the project has been developed in phases. The first phase from Nagpur to Shirdi was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2022, followed by subsequent phases. With its completion, the expressway will revolutionize connectivity, giving a major boost to logistics, tourism, and economic development in the region.
