The much awaited remaining stretch of the Samruddhi Mahamarg is set to become operational in the last week of August.
This will offer a faster route for commuters traveling between Mumbai, Nashik, and beyond. Travelers between the two cities will save about an hour, covering the distance in just 40 minutes.
The remaining 76 km stretch of the Samruddhi Mahamarg, from Igatpuri to Amane in Thane, is eagerly awaited by frequent travelers. They are looking forward to the opening of this final segment of the highway.
The entire Samruddhi Mahamarg highway spans 701 km, with only 625 km from Nagpur to Igatpuri currently open for commuters. Presently, around 30,000 vehicles use the operational stretch daily, generating a toll revenue of Rs 2 crore each day.
In an interview with The Indian Express, Anil Kumar Gaikwad, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), revealed that the new highway will enable commuters to bypass the old Kasara Ghat and travel at a speed limit of 120 km/h.
He said, “The travel time from Igatpuri to Shangrila Resort in Thane, covering a 76 km stretch, will be reduced to just 40 minutes. Currently, this journey takes around 1.5 hours or more due to the ghat section on the old Mumbai-Nashik Highway. The new Samruddhi stretch will feature a twin tunnel, a viaduct that passes through a valley offering a smoother drive with normal gradient terrain, eliminating sharp curves unlike on the old highway.”
Anil Kumar Gaikwad also revealed that even though the bridge at Shahapur is under-construction, one part of the four lane bridge is expected to be completed by August.