Nashik–Palghar Travel to Get Faster! Union Cabinet Approves ₹3,320-Crore Project for NH-160A Highway

New Delhi, February 2026 : The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has taken a significant decision to expand road infrastructure in Maharashtra. The Cabinet has accorded official approval for the rehabilitation and four-laning upgrade of a 154.635-kilometre stretch of National Highway-160A (NH-160A), covering the Ghoti–Trimbak (Mokhada)–Jawhar–Manor–Palghar section. The ambitious project involves a capital expenditure of ₹3,320.38 crore and is expected to substantially strengthen connectivity between North Maharashtra and the Konkan coastal region.

Due to increasing freight movement from industrial areas such as Ambad and Satpur in western Nashik, the city is currently facing heavy traffic pressure. At present, much of this traffic passes through the city via NH-848, leading to severe congestion on urban roads. The new NH-160A project will provide a robust alternative route through Trimbak, offering direct connectivity to industrial zones and easing traffic flow within Nashik city.

In particular, traffic coming from Mumbai and southern regions will be able to reach Trimbak and Nashik more swiftly by using the Samruddhi Mahamarg via the Igatpuri interchange and then connecting to NH-160A. With traffic on this route expected to exceed 10,000 vehicles per day by 2028, the decision to widen the highway to four lanes has been taken to meet future demand and ensure smoother movement.

The project is being developed under the ‘PM Gati Shakti’ framework and will link six economic nodes, seven social nodes, and eight logistics nodes across Maharashtra. Key beneficiaries include the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) at Tarapur and Boisar, the Mokhada Industrial Park, and industrial clusters at Wada. In addition, major tourist destinations such as Trimbakeshwar, Jawhar Palace, the Vaitarna River, and Arnala Fort are expected to see increased accessibility and footfall.

Improved road infrastructure in the tribal regions of Palghar district is also expected to accelerate social and economic development in these areas. Upon completion of the project, travel time and vehicle operating and maintenance costs are projected to reduce significantly.

The project is estimated to generate more than 44 lakh person-days of direct and indirect employment. Furthermore, with the highway eventually connecting to key hubs such as the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway (NE-4) and the upcoming Vadhavan Port, Maharashtra’s logistics efficiency and overall economic performance are expected to receive a major boost.