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The Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg is now fully complete. On June 5, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the final 76-kilometre stretch of this massive expressway project. With this, the entire 701-kilometre highway connecting 24 districts across Vidarbha, Marathwada, and North Maharashtra is now open to the public. This road is set to transform travel, trade, and transport in the state.
A Journey in Three Phases
The expressway's development took place in three main phases. The first phase, covering 520 kilometres from Nagpur to Shirdi, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 11, 2022. The second phase, an 80-kilometre segment from Shirdi (Kokanmathan) to Bharvir Dhantore in Nashik, was opened by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on May 26, 2023.
The third and final phase added another 25 kilometres from Bharvir Dhantore to Hutatma Point. This section was launched by Public Works Minister Dada Bhuse on May 4, 2024. A major feature of this final phase is its route through the Sahyadri mountain range, including five double tunnels with a combined length of 21.46 kilometres (both ways).
A Tunnel of Pride
The tunnel at Panke (Igatpuri) is the highlight of this stretch. At 8 kilometres long, 17.61 meters wide, and 9.12 meters high, it is now the longest and widest tunnel in Maharashtra. This tunnel makes it possible to drive from Igatpuri to Kasara in just eight minutes, offering a smoother and faster alternative to the busy Kasara ghat on National Highway 3.
Big Impact on Travel and Agriculture
The expressway will cut down the travel time from Thane to Nagpur to just around eight hours. It also improves access from Thane and Mumbai to Shirdi, making pilgrimages more convenient. Farmers in areas like Ahmednagar, Sinnar, and Igatpuri will benefit as their produce can now reach the Mumbai market faster.
The expressway touches 392 villages in 26 talukas and 10 revenue divisions. It directly connects major cities like Nagpur, Amravati, Ahmednagar, Nashik, and Thane, and indirectly links 14 more districts.
Speed and Trade Benefit
Vehicles can travel at 100 kmph on slopes and up to 120 kmph on flat roads. The Greenfield Expressway reduces the travel time between Nagpur and Mumbai from 17 hours to just eight. It also connects Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust in Mumbai to Mihan in Nagpur, helping goods move faster across India and beyond.
This new expressway is not just a road-it's a new path for growth and progress across Maharashtra.
