Mumbai to Nagpur in Just 8 Hours as 701-Km Samruddhi Mahamarg Expressway Completes Final Phase
PuneNow Desk | 8 min read
In a historic milestone for Maharashtra’s infrastructure, the Hinduhriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg has been fully operationalized with the inauguration of its final 76-km stretch between Igatpuri and Amne (near Bhiwandi) on June 5, 2025. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis led the ceremony, joined by Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, marking the completion of the 701-km expressway that now connects Mumbai to Nagpur in just 8 hours—a drastic reduction from the previous 17–18 hour journey.
Game-Changer for Travel & Economy
The Samruddhi Mahamarg is set to revolutionize road travel, logistics, and tourism in Maharashtra. Key benefits include:
- Faster cargo movement between JNPT (Mumbai) and MIHAN (Nagpur).
- 25 strategically placed interchanges across 10 districts, improving accessibility.
- Boost to farmers, pilgrims, and businesses with quicker market access and travel efficiency.
Engineering Marvel: Tunnels & Terrain Challenges
The final stretch through the Sahyadri mountain range features:
- 5 twin tunnels totaling 10.73 km (21.46 km combined).
- The 8-km Igatpuri tunnel, Maharashtra’s longest and widest, equipped with an advanced fire safety system.
- Relocation of 68 power lines and construction of a railway overpass.
Phased Development & Key Milestones
- Phase 1 (Dec 2022): Nagpur to Shirdi (520 km) inaugurated by PM Modi.
- Phase 2 (May 2023): Shirdi to Bharvir (80 km) opened by CM Shinde.
- Phase 3 (2024): Bharvir to Igatpuri (25 km) launched by PWD Minister Dadaji Bhuse.
- Final Phase (June 2025): Igatpuri to Amne (76 km) completed.
A Corridor of Progress
Beyond connecting Nagpur and Mumbai, the expressway links 24 districts, including Amravati, Nashik, and Thane, while enhancing access to tourist hubs like Shirdi, Ajanta-Ellora, and Lonar Lake.
With seamless integration into national routes like the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, the Samruddhi Mahamarg stands as a testament to Maharashtra’s vision for faster, safer, and smarter mobility.
