Warli Folk Culture And Local Life Depicted On Tunnels Connecting Thane And Nashik On Samruddhi Mahamarg: A Unique Cultural Preservation Effort by MSRDCÂ Â

Warli Folk Culture And Local Life Depicted On Tunnels Connecting Thane And Nashik On Samruddhi Mahamarg: A Unique Cultural Preservation Effort by MSRDC
Mumbai, January 15, 2025:Â Â
The final 76 km stretch of the Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, connecting Amane to Igatpuri, will soon be opened to the public. As part of this stretch, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has undertaken a unique initiative by showcasing the historical Warli folk culture on the tunnels connecting Thane and Nashik districts. This marks the first-ever effort in the state to depict art on tunnels.
Final Stretch Completed, Including the Longest Tunnel in the State:Â

Out of the 701 km length of the Samruddhi Mahamarg, 625 km is already operational, with over 1.5 crore vehicles using the highway so far. The engineering work on the remaining 76 km stretch from Igatpuri to Amane is now complete. Overcoming the challenges posed by the Sahyadri mountain range, MSRDC has successfully executed this engineering feat. This stretch includes five tunnels with a total length of 11 km, the longest being the 7.78 km tunnel at Igatpuri, making it the longest in Maharashtra. The new tunnel will reduce the Igatpuri-Kasara commute to approximately eight minutes, with public access expected in a few months.Â

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Nature-Infused Warli Art on Tunnels Adds to Scenic Beauty:Â

To enhance the scenic experience of traveling on the Samruddhi Mahamarg from Amane Interchange in Thane district, MSRDC has adorned the tunnels with local art. The intricate artwork highlights the natural beauty of the Thane and Nashik districts, characterized by mountains, valleys, and lush greenery. It took approximately 1 to 1.5 months to complete the artwork. Similar to other beautification measures along the highway, this artistic endeavor aims to reduce driver fatigue by providing visual engagement during the journey.
“Historical Warli art has been thoughtfully incorporated. Warli paintings from Thane district have been prominently depicted on the Kasara tunnel. Similarly, the Igatpuri tunnel features themes like the importance of Vipassana, tourism, and local lifestyles. Other tunnels display images of local life, agriculture, and more. By depicting historical Warli folk culture and local lifestyles, MSRDC has made a unique effort to preserve and promote culture,” said Dr. Anilkumar Gaikwad, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of MSRDC.