Pune: Travel Time to Reduce Between Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik as Two Major Road Projects Near Completion
Traveling between Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik is set to become faster and more convenient as two major road projects near completion. The final 76-km stretch of the Samruddhi Mahamarg, from Igatpuri to Amane (near Bhiwandi), is expected to open by March-end 2024, significantly reducing congestion on the old Mumbai-Nashik highway. Additionally, the much-anticipated Mumbai-Pune Missing Link Project is set to be operational by August or September 2024, easing traffic flow through the Lonavala Ghat section. These infrastructure developments promise shorter travel durations, improved road safety, and reduced congestion for thousands of daily commuters.
Samruddhi Mahamarg: A Smoother Route Between Mumbai, Nashik, and Nagpur
The 701-km-long Samruddhi Mahamarg, connecting Nagpur to Mumbai, has already revolutionized travel in Maharashtra. However, Mumbai-bound commuters currently have to rely on the old Mumbai-Nashik highway to reach Igatpuri, where they can access the expressway. The upcoming 76-km stretch will bypass Kasara Ghat, known for traffic congestion, particularly during monsoons.
Key Features of the New Samruddhi Mahamarg Section:
- Bypassing Kasara Ghat will significantly reduce congestion and speed up travel time between Mumbai and Nashik.
- Five tunnels and 16 bridges have been constructed to navigate the challenging terrain, making this stretch one of the most technically demanding sections of the expressway.
- Final construction work, including crash barriers, signage, and the approach stretch linking to the Mumbai-Nashik highway, is expected to be completed by March 15, 2024.
- The expressway plays a crucial role in connecting Maharashtra’s economic and agricultural hubs, facilitating faster trade and transportation.
- Once this stretch is operational, commuters will experience seamless travel from Mumbai to Nashik and beyond to Aurangabad and Nagpur, saving significant time.
Mumbai-Pune Missing Link: A Game Changer for Expressway Commuters
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway has long faced bottlenecks at Lonavala Ghat, especially during weekends and peak hours. The missing link project, which is 90% complete, is designed to eliminate these traffic snarls and vastly improve travel efficiency. The project is expected to be operational by August or September 2024.
Key Features of the Mumbai-Pune Missing Link Project:
- The current 19-km route from Khopoli to Sinhgad Institute will be shortened to 13.3 km, cutting travel time by 20-25 minutes.
- It features the world’s widest twin tunnels (47 meters wide), with lengths of 1.75 km and 8.92 km. The tunnels are undergoing verification for a Guinness World Record.
- A 170-meter-high cable-stayed bridge will be built as part of the expressway extension.
- The tunnels will run 150 meters below Lonavala Lake, ensuring an uninterrupted and direct route through the ghat section.
Major Benefits for Commuters and Businesses
The completion of these two projects will transform road travel in Maharashtra, ensuring faster, safer, and more efficient journeys. Key benefits include:
✅ Reduced travel time between Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik.
✅ Decongested traffic at Kasara Ghat and Lonavala Ghat, leading to smoother movement.
✅ Enhanced road safety with modern infrastructure, including crash barriers, wider lanes, and state-of-the-art tunnels.
✅ Boost to Maharashtra’s economy by facilitating faster movement of goods and people between major cities.
Final Stretch Before Completion
According to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), final touches are being carried out on both projects. March 15, 2024, is the deadline for the Samruddhi Mahamarg extension, while the Mumbai-Pune missing link is in its final phase, with completion expected by September or October 2024.
Once operational, these projects will ensure seamless connectivity between Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik, benefiting lakhs of commuters daily and enhancing Maharashtra’s transport network.
