Samruddhi Expressway Completion Date Announced: Igatpuri-Amane Link Opens In December

The final 76-kilometre stretch of the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Mahamarg, connecting Igatpuri to Amane, is expected to open for motorists by December, as reported by the Hindustan Times (HT), citing the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). This marks the completion of the 701-kilometre access-controlled expressway, with 625 kilometres already operational in three phases.

The expressway, a key infrastructure project for Maharashtra, was partially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 11 December 2022, covering a 520-kilometre stretch. Additional segments-Shirdi to Bharvir and Bharvir to Igatpuri-were opened on May 23, 2023 and March 4, 2024, respectively.

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Delays In Final Phase Completion

The last phase faced delays due to land acquisition challenges at the Thane end, including the relocation of warehouses along the route. Engineering difficulties also contributed, particularly at Khardi in Thane district, where a 1.5-kilometre-long bridge at an 84-metre height connects with an 8-kilometre tunnel. This tunnel will bypass the congested Kasara Ghat section of the Mumbai-Nashik highway, notorious for traffic jams and vehicle breakdowns.

Features And Connectivity

Once operational, the expressway will link with the Mumbai-Vadodara Expressway at Amane, providing further connectivity to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust and the old Mumbai-Nashik highway. The expressway, designed for speeds of up to 150 kilometres per hour but capped at 120 kilometres per hour for safety, was constructed in 16 packages starting in February 2019. The project has a 40-year concession period for toll collection.

Challenges And Safety Concerns

The expressway has not been without issues. Before its partial opening in December 2022, a wildlife overpass near Nagpur collapsed, delaying its inauguration. Since then, nearly 150 accidents resulting in over 200 fatalities have occurred on the road. Efforts by MSRDC to introduce wayside amenities have yet to succeed.

With this final stretch nearing completion, the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Mahamarg is expected to significantly enhance travel efficiency and connectivity across Maharashtra.