Thane:
In accordance to a senior official from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), the final 76-kilometre length of the Samruddhi Mahamarg in Thane district is expected to open for traffic by the end of August. Once operational, this segment will complete the Samruddhi Mahamarg’s 701-kilometre length.
The Thane stretch includes 16 bridges and four tunnels, with only one bridge currently under construction. This bridge, located in Khardi, Thane district, is the tallest on the Samruddhi Mahamarg, standing at 82 metres, or the height of a 27-story structure. Its construction, spanning two valleys, poses a significant engineering challenge, especially given the mountainous terrain that the 76-kilometer section covers.
The bridge’s longest span is 140 metres, and due to its height and exposure to wind speeds, strict building processes are being followed to ensure maximum safety. Currently, 625 kilometers of the Samruddhi Mahamarg are accessible for traffic. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first section, which stretches 520 km from Nagpur to Shirdi, in December 2022. Subsequently, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde inaugurated the second phase, which runs from Shirdi to Bharvir in May 2023. Earlier this year, an additional 25-kilometer section in Nashik district between Bharvir and Igatpuri town was opened to traffic.
Furthermore, the official stated that the process of selecting the lowest bids to extend the Samruddhi Mahamarg to Gadchiroli, Gondia, Jalna, and Nanded has been finished. Work orders for these projects are expected to be issued soon.
