Samruddhi Mahamarg Traffic Alert: 10-Day Phased Block Schedule (Feb 9-18) – Check Timings and Affected Locations
If you are planning a high-speed journey between Mumbai and Nagpur this week, you might want to keep a close eye on the clock.
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has announced a series of phased traffic halts on the Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg from February 9 to February 18, 2026. These temporary disruptions are necessary to facilitate the installation of massive overhead gantries as part of the new Highway Traffic Management System (HTMS).
Specific Locations and Affected Districts
The current phase of work is concentrated on a 65-kilometer stretch between km 300.400 and km 365.800. Commuters traveling through the following areas should prepare for brief stoppages:
- Buldhana District: Lonar, Sindkhed Raja, and Deulgaon Raja tehsils.
- Jalna District: Specific sections within the Jalna taluka.
The MSRDC has clarified that the expressway will not be closed entirely. Instead, traffic will be paused for intervals of 45 to 60 minutes at a time to ensure the safety of workers and motorists while the heavy steel structures are hoisted over the carriageways.
Samruddhi Mahamarg Block Schedule and Timings
To minimize the impact on long-distance travelers, the MSRDC has released a tentative daily window for these blocks. While the work is spread across 21 technical phases over nine days, the general timing for the halts is as follows:
| Direction | Typical Block Window |
| Mumbai-bound Lane | 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM |
| Nagpur-bound Lane | 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM |
Note: On certain days, depending on the complexity of the gantry installation, both lanes may be halted simultaneously for a short duration.
What is the Highway Traffic Management System (HTMS)?
The installation of these gantries is a critical step in transforming the Samruddhi Mahamarg into a “Smart Highway.” Once the HTMS is fully operational, these overhead structures will support:
- High-Definition CCTV Surveillance: For 24/7 monitoring of the corridor.
- Speed Detection Cameras: To identify and penalize over-speeding vehicles automatically.
- Variable Message Signs (VMS): Digital boards to provide real-time weather, traffic, and accident alerts to drivers.
- Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR): To streamline tolling and security.
MSRDC Travel Advisory for Commuters
As the Samruddhi Expressway traffic halt is expected to cause minor tailbacks, authorities have issued the following guidelines for travelers:
- Buffer Time: Add at least 60 minutes of buffer time to your total journey if you are passing through Buldhana or Jalna.
- Plan Ahead: Try to schedule your entry into these specific districts outside the 12 PM – 4 PM window.
- Follow On-Site Instructions: Traffic police and MSRDC marshals will be stationed at the block points to guide vehicles.
- Alternative Routes: While the Samruddhi Mahamarg remains the fastest route, local travelers may use old highway diversions if they encounter a block at the entry points of Lonar or Jalna.
This infrastructure upgrade is part of a larger safety initiative following a series of accidents on the expressway, aimed at making the 701-km corridor one of the safest high-speed roads in India.
