The Maharashtra State Road Improvement Project Phase-III, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), was officially launched with Public Works Minister Ravindra Chavan presiding over an online bhoomi poojan ceremony. This ambitious initiative aims to develop 1,480 km of double-layer cement concrete roads across 24 districts in the state, with a total investment of ₹12,768 crore. Vidarbha, a significant region in the state, is expected to benefit from the construction of 10 new roads as part of this project.
The project includes the development of three roads in Buldhana, three in Nagpur, one in Yavatmal, one in Chandrapur, and two in Wardha. Other districts in Maharashtra, such as Jalgaon, Dhule, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, will also benefit from enhanced road networks. The primary objectives of the project are to ease daily commutes, facilitate the transportation of goods for industries and agriculture, and improve access to religious and tourist destinations. This extensive infrastructure initiative will enhance connectivity, promote industrial growth, and improve transportation across Maharashtra. It encompasses 44 road projects across various districts, including significant works in Latur, Jalna, Parbhani, Hingoli, Ahmednagar, Pune, Solapur, Sindhudurg, Thane, and Nashik.
The ADB will contribute US$ 500 million (approximately ₹4,150 crore), while the rest will be funded by central government assistance and the state budget. Since its launch in 2018 under the leadership of former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the ADB-financed road improvement project has completed 450 km of road works in its first two phases, with an additional 469 km currently underway. Alongside enhancing road connectivity, the project will prioritize environmental sustainability. Approximately 300,000 trees will be planted along the new roads, and water recharge systems will be implemented to boost groundwater levels. The construction of bridge-cum-bandharas will also aid in raising water levels in surrounding areas. Additional improvements include the construction of toilets for schoolchildren along the roads and bus shelters for commuters.