The highly anticipated Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway, also known as the Samruddhi Mahamarg, is expected to fully open by November 2024. Once operational, this 701 km expressway will reduce the travel time between Mumbai and Nagpur from 16 hours to just 8 hours. This major infrastructure project will provide a much faster route, benefiting both regular commuters and those traveling to religious destinations.
A Faster Route Through Maharashtra
The expressway will pass through 10 districts of Maharashtra, including Nagpur, Aurangabad, Nashik, and Thane. This six-lane, access-controlled expressway will also link two key hubs: the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in Mumbai and the MIHAN (Nagpur-Multimodal International Hub Airport). This connection will improve trade and travel across Maharashtra, enhancing the region’s economic growth.
Benefits for Pilgrims
The expressway is not just for regular travelers but will also be a blessing for pilgrims visiting religious places like Trimbakeshwar, Shirdi, and Shani Shingnapur. The faster route will save time for devotees traveling from Mumbai to these popular sites. Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur are located in Ahmednagar district, while Trimbakeshwar is in Nashik district. The reduced travel time will make these trips more convenient, especially for weekend travelers.
Significant Milestones in Construction
The Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway project began in 2015, with land acquisition starting in 2017. The foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, and the first phase was inaugurated in December 2022. The section from Nagpur to Shirdi, covering 520 kilometers, was opened at that time. An additional 80 km stretch from Shirdi to Igatpuri became operational in May 2023. The remaining 101 km of the expressway is under construction and is expected to be completed by November 2024.
Massive Investment and Engineering Feats
The project is being built at an estimated cost of ₹55,000 crores, making it one of the largest infrastructure undertakings in India. It will feature 33 major bridges, 274 minor bridges, six tunnels, and 65 flyovers. A significant portion of the construction includes an 8 km long tunnel that cuts through the mountains between Nashik and Thane, enabling a smoother and faster journey through this region.
Greenfield Project for a Sustainable Future
The Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway is Maharashtra’s second expressway, following the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. This is a greenfield project, meaning it is being constructed on unused land to avoid disrupting existing urban areas. The project also carefully navigates through three wildlife sanctuaries, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
The expressway promises to revolutionize travel across Maharashtra, cutting down the journey time for millions of travelers, and providing a direct, safe, and fast route between Mumbai and Nagpur.
