Maharashtra’s much-anticipated Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway, officially called the Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, is set for its grand inauguration in February 2025. This 701-km six-lane marvel will slash travel time between Mumbai and Nagpur from a gruelling 16 hours to a breezy 8 hours, revolutionising connectivity in the state.
Currently, 625 kilometers of the expressway—from Nagpur to Igatpuri in Nashik—are operational, while the final stretch connecting to Mumbai is ready for unveiling.
Highlights of the new expressway—
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Cost and Scope:
– Developed at a cost of ₹67,000 crore, the expressway is set to transform Maharashtra’s socio-economic landscape, creating 18 smart towns tailored to regional industries and benefiting 24 districts directly or indirectly.
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Safety and Technology:
– Features an Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) and emergency medical services.
– Includes a “zero fatality corridor” to reduce accidents.
– An 8-kilometer twin tunnel near Kasara uses advanced German engineering for smooth and safe passage.
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Environmental Considerations:
– Over 80 structures built to facilitate wildlife crossings, ensuring a balance between development and nature.
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Enhanced Connectivity:
– Improved access to Navi Mumbai International Airport, reducing travel time from Pune to the airport to just 2.5 hours.
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Economic Impact:
– 1.52 crore vehicles have already utilised the expressway’s operational sections, generating ₹1,100 crore in toll revenue over two years.
