Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway: Igatpuri-Amane Section Set to Open
Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway: Igatpuri-Amane Section Set to Open
Motorists will soon have access to the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway from Bhiwandi, as the 76-km section between Igatpuri and Amane is expected to be finished by the end of this month. Reports from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) indicate that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is likely to inaugurate the expressway in March.
Drive on Mumbai- Nagpur Expressway (Samruddhi Mahamarg). 6-lane wide, wonderful experience! pic.twitter.com/tZVhGJlz2u
— Kong Xianhua (@ChineseCGMumbai) February 11, 2025
The final lane-marking and painting work is currently in progress and is set to be completed between February 25 and 27. These tasks are performed only after all major construction is finished, suggesting that the highway is close to being ready for public use. The inauguration will depend on the availability of Chief Minister Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, as reported by Hindustan Times.
At present, the expressway is operational from Igatpuri near Nashik to Nagpur, covering a distance of 625 km. The opening of the 76-km Igatpuri-Amane stretch, which was initially planned for November-December 2024, was delayed due to issues with government formation and portfolio allocation. Consequently, the MSRDC opted to complete all outstanding work and open the entire stretch together.
Samruddhi Mahamarg or Mumbai–Nagpur Expressway's last package 16 where there is 15-20 day's work is left, and interchange with Delhi Mumbai expressway in pic4 (🎥infralive) pic.twitter.com/N2FYCVu3bS
— Indian Infra (@IndiaInfra02) January 8, 2025
The 701-km expressway, officially called Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, has been opened in phases since December 2022. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the initial 520-km stretch between Nagpur and Shirdi. In May 2023, then Chief Minister Eknath Shinde opened the 105-km section from Shirdi to Bharvir, while another 25-km stretch between Bharvir and Igatpuri was made available to drivers in March 2024 without a formal inauguration.
At Amane, the expressway’s terminal point, it connects with the under-construction Mumbai-Vadodara Expressway, which runs from the Jawaharlal Nehru Port to Gujarat. To improve access between the Mumbai-Nashik Highway and the Samruddhi Expressway, a temporary arrangement has been established.
Initially announced in November 2015, construction of the access-controlled greenfield expressway commenced in February 2019. The project was divided into 16 construction packages, with toll collection approved for 40 years. Although the expressway is regarded as a transformative infrastructure project, motorists have expressed concerns about the scarcity of wayside amenities. With few options for food and rest stops, many travelers find it challenging to locate appropriate places to take breaks. Having regularly spaced food courts would help drivers stay refreshed and alert, enhancing safety during long journeys.
Public utility areas are planned along the expressway:
To improve commuter convenience, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is working on developing ten public utility areas along the expressway. These facilities will feature petrol stations, dining options, and rest areas, which will greatly enhance the travel experience for drivers.
"Almost none of the petrol pump toilets on the Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway (Samruddhi Mahamarg) are maintained, clean, or hygienic. I visited several, and most were either non-functional or in terrible condition. There’s not even a paid option for travelers. pic.twitter.com/cH2LEJHpkm
— Sanjay Shrivastav (@SanjayS30733612) February 16, 2025
The expressway is engineered to accommodate speeds of up to 150 km/h and includes modern infrastructure elements such as wildlife underpasses, flyovers, and pedestrian crossings. This design prioritizes both efficiency and safety for all users.
With the planned extension to Bhiwandi, the expressway is anticipated to further enhance the connection between Mumbai and Nagpur. This extension is expected to shorten travel times and reduce congestion on current highways. The finishing touches are being applied, and once this section is opened, commuters will enjoy a quicker and more direct route starting from Mumbai.
