Samruddhi Mahamarg to Be Extended to Vadhavan Port; A Corridor of Prosperity for Maharashtra – CM Devendra Fadnavis

Final Phase of Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg Inaugurated at Igatpuri

Nashik – Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that the Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, a vital expressway in the state’s development, will soon be extended to Vadhavan Port. He said the expressway would become a corridor of prosperity, connecting regions like Vidarbha, Marathwada, and North Maharashtra to national and international trade routes.

The final phase of the Samruddhi Expressway and the southbound lane of Thane Creek Bridge No. 3 on the Sion–Panvel Highway were virtually inaugurated by CM Fadnavis. The ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse, PWD Minister Shivendrasinhraje Bhosale, Minister of Food and Drug Administration Narahari Zirwal, Minister of State Meghna Sakore Borde, MLAs and senior officials including ACS Manisha Mhaiskar and MSRDC Vice-Chairman Anil Gaikwad.

CM Fadnavis highlighted the record-time land acquisition for the 701-km long expressway, which was built at a cost of ₹55,335 crore. He noted that the highway connects 24 districts of Maharashtra to JNPT port, and with the upcoming extension to Vadhavan port, the connectivity will become even more robust.

The expressway passes through 76 km in Nashik and Thane districts, cutting across the rugged Sahyadri ranges. The 8-km-long Igatpuri tunnel, the longest in the state and widest in the country, is a remarkable feat of engineering accomplished by MSRDC.

CM Fadnavis also detailed several eco-friendly initiatives along the expressway. These include tree plantation on the Palkhi route, creation of over 1,000 farm ponds, and water recharge points every 500 meters. A solar energy project generating 35 MW is underway alongside the highway, and a gas pipeline by GAIL has been laid to eventually supply gas to the upcoming steel city in Gadchiroli. The expressway also improves access to religious and tourist destinations, while the new bridge on Vashi Creek will ease traffic congestion.

To enhance safety, advanced technology has been employed to prevent accidents and reduce wildlife obstruction. Over 100 wildlife-friendly structures have been built along the route – a first in India – to allow free animal movement without hindrance.

Looking ahead, CM Fadnavis said a new Shaktipeeth Expressway is being planned, which will further boost the economy of Marathwada.

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde stated that the expressway will save time, fuel, and reduce pollution, while also promoting agriculture, tourism, and industrial growth. He called the green corridor a game-changer for the state and assured that basic passenger amenities will be provided on the route. He urged drivers to adhere to speed limits.

Extending World Environment Day greetings, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said the government has set a target of planting 10 crore saplings this year. He praised the efforts of the officials, staff, and laborers involved in the successful completion of the project and added that more infrastructure projects across the state will gain momentum following this achievement.

The event was attended by citizens and MSRDC employees. Prior to the ceremony, CM Fadnavis inaugurated the expressway and, along with DCMs Shinde and Pawar, inspected the highway, even personally driving a vehicle along the route.