The second phase of the Nagpur-Mumbai Express Highway from Shirdi to Bharvir in Igatpuri Taluka of Nashik district, was dedicated to the public in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday.
Both unveiled the cornerstone and opened the second phase of 80 Km. With the opening of the Express Highway, the travelling time between Shirdi and Nashik has been reduced.
Fadnavis assured that the third and last phase will be opened in the next six to eight months.
The project was delayed because of some hurdles in procuring land for the project. The Supreme Court cleared the way for the Expressway, which has been named Balasaheb Thackeray Samruddhi Mahamarg.
In another development, a proposal for providing air ambulance at four places on the Express Highway has been accepted. Helipads will be constructed at fur places. The decision has been taken to ensure that health services can be provided immediately in case of accidents on the Express Highway.
The work on the Express Highway was delayed due to problems in land acquisition. Fadnavis said that all the hurdles have been removed. The dream project will be completed in the next few months. He also said that Shiv Sena faction leader Uddhav Thackeray and NCP supremo Sharad Pawar. The issues were sorted out by convincing the misled people for completion of the project.