End to Decades of Accidents, Traffic Chaos and Boost Regional Connectivity: Centre Approves 5.5 km Autram Ghat Tunnel to Link Marathwada and North Maharashtra
End to Decades of Accidents, Traffic Chaos and Boost Regional Connectivity: Centre Approves 5.5 km Autram Ghat Tunnel to Link Marathwada and North Maharashtra
₹2,435-crore project to cut travel time from hours to minutes; aims to end decades of accidents, traffic chaos and boost regional connectivity.
The long-pending demand for a safer and faster route through Autram Ghat has finally been fulfilled.
The Central Government has approved the construction of a 5.50 km state-of-the-art tunnel between Telwadi and Bodhre, marking a historic step in Maharashtra’s infrastructure development.
This ambitious ₹2,435-crore project spans a total distance of 14.89 km, including a 12.35 km greenfield road, a 5.5 km tunnel and a 3 km viaduct. Designed to eliminate the dangerous curves, frequent accidents and chronic traffic jams of Autram Ghat, the new route will reduce travel time from 7–8 hours to just 15–20 minutes.
Why It Matters:
For decades, Autram Ghat has been a lifeline between Marathwada and North Maharashtra but also a site of countless road mishaps and hours-long traffic jams. Citizens had repeatedly demanded a tunnel to replace the risky ghat road. With this approval, their wait is finally over.
MP Smita Wagh welcomed the decision, calling it a “historic milestone in Maharashtra’s development journey.” She credited the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for accelerating the state’s road modernization.
Key Project Details:
- Total Road Length: 14.895 km
- Tunnel Length: 5.5 km
- Greenfield Road: 12.35 km
- Viaduct: 3 km
- Estimated Cost: ₹2,435 crore (₹1,705 crore construction + ₹318 crore GST)
- Speed Limit: 100 km/hr
- Forest Area Covered: 13 km (including 2.2 km wildlife zone)
- Land Requirement: 15.27 hectares
- Structure: Double-tube, advanced ventilation, CCTV, digital sensors, vehicle control centre, emergency exits, fire safety systems
Once completed, the tunnel will become a critical North–South transport link, saving fuel and time while reducing accidents and environmental stress. Railways will pursue a separate tunnel project due to technical challenges in integrating both services.
Autram Ghat is now set to transform from a hazardous mountain pass into one of Maharashtra’s most modern and efficient road corridors.
