Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Highway Set for Full Opening Next Month, But Lacks Essential Facilities
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Despite plans to fully open the 701 km high-tech expressway, the absence of amenities continues to pose challenges for drivers.
The much-anticipated 701 km long Samruddhi Highway between Mumbai and Nagpur is slated for full opening to traffic by next month. However, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has yet to secure a company to develop essential facilities such as hotels, restaurants, and food plazas along the highway. The lack of amenities has already been linked to a series of accidents, raising concerns for motorists about safety and convenience.
Despite being one of India’s most advanced highways, passengers traveling on this route will have to wait longer for necessary services. MSRDC has invited several tenders but has been unsuccessful in finding a company to develop facilities at designated locations. The state government remains committed to opening the entire Samruddhi Highway by September, but the absence of basic amenities remains a pressing issue.
To address this gap, MSRDC has proposed leasing approximately 4 to 5 hectares of land at 16 different locations along the highway for a period of 60 years. The selected company will be responsible for building and maintaining the facilities at its own expense, with the option to sublease the land to other entities.
The continuous string of accidents on the Samruddhi Highway is believed to be partly due to the lack of rest areas and services. Without these facilities, drivers are forced to cover long distances without breaks, leading to fatigue, lane-cutting, and speeding errors. So far, 625 km of the highway has been opened to traffic, with the final 76 km stretch between Igatpuri and Thane nearing completion.
Despite the partial opening, traffic volumes on the highway have remained lower than expected. This, combined with frequent accidents and concerns over road construction quality, has deterred companies from bidding in the tender process. The cost and time required to develop these facilities have also contributed to the lack of interest from potential developers.
As the Samruddhi Highway prepares for full operation, authorities are under pressure to resolve these issues to ensure a safer and more comfortable journey for travelers.
