Samruddhi Mahamarg’s 76 km stretch in Thane nears completion; set to open in August

The final 76-kilometre stretch of the Samruddhi Mahamarg in Thane district is nearing completion and is expected to open for traffic by the end of August. According to a senior official from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). 

With the completion of this stretch, the entire 701-kilometre corridor of the Samruddhi Mahamarg will be fully operational.

The Thane segment includes 16 bridges and four tunnels, with only one bridge still under construction. This bridge, located in Khardi in Thane district, is the tallest on the Samruddhi Mahamarg, standing at 82 metres tall, equivalent to the height of a 27-story building. 

The bridge spans two valleys, making the construction particularly complex. Additionally, the 76-kilometre stretch traverses hilly terrain. The longest span on the bridge measures 140 meters. Due to the height and wind speed, construction work is being carried out with extra caution to ensure safety.

Currently, 625 kilometres of the Samruddhi Mahamarg is open to traffic. The first phase, covering 520 kilometres between Nagpur and Shirdi, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2022. The second phase, from Shirdi to Bharvir, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in May 2023. Earlier this year, an additional 25-kilometre stretch in the Nashik district, between Bharvir and Igatpuri town, was also opened to traffic.

An MSRDC official stated that the lowest bidders have been selected for the extension of the Samruddhi Mahamarg to Gadchiroli, Gondia, Jalna, and Nanded. Work orders for these projects will be issued soon.