Samruddhi Mahamarg: 16 Locations Along the Highway to Be Developed as Smart Cities

Master plan unveiled as government accelerates its transformative development project.

Mumbai: With the Samruddhi Mahamarg nearing its full operational status, the Maharashtra government is shifting its focus to an ambitious second phase, transforming 16 locations along the highway into smart cities. A high-level meeting has been called in Mumbai on December 30 to finalize plans for these projects, which are seen as a significant priority for the Mahayuti government under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The 701-km-long Samruddhi Mahamarg, also known as the Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, connects Nagpur to Mumbai, passing through 10 districts. The plan to develop smart cities along this route aims to foster regional economic growth by integrating industries, creating jobs, and improving infrastructure in these areas.

According to sources, the smart cities will cater to the specific needs of the regions they are located in, with industries related to agriculture expected to play a pivotal role in many of these locations.

Locations Identified for Smart City Development

As per the master plan, smart cities will be developed at the following locations:

• Virul in Wardha

• Dattpur and Shivni in Amravati

• Sheh, Wanoj, and Ridhora in Washim

• Sabra and Mal Savargaon in Buldhana

• Jamwadi in Jalna

• Hadas Pimpalgaon and Jambargaon in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad)

• Dhotra Kopargaon, near Savala Well

• Phugale, Sapgaon, and Lenad in Thane District

Among these, work on Virul and Mal Savargaon has already begun, with initial momentum picking up in the first 100 days of the coalition government.

A Vision of Development

The smart city initiative along the Samruddhi Mahamarg is designed to transform these towns into hubs of progress. The government plans to integrate modern infrastructure, smart governance systems, and sustainable industries into the blueprint for each smart city. Additionally, many of these towns will focus on promoting agro-industries and small businesses to support the local economy.

The smart city project is expected to bring economic opportunities, enhance connectivity, and improve the quality of life for residents in the surrounding areas. Once completed, these smart cities will serve as model examples of urban planning along India’s emerging high-speed transport corridors.

With this ambitious project, Maharashtra aims to set a new benchmark for sustainable development along its flagship expressway, boosting economic growth and modernizing its rural landscape.