Samruddhi Mahamarg’s final 76km stretch set for completion in September

Earlier, the plan to open this stretch was in August, which now has been postponed, as work could not be completed due to incessant rain in Igatpuri and adjoining areas. As rain recedes, the water proofing work on the remaining 900 metres of the viaduct will expedite, said the official.

Kumar said the major construction connectivity in this stretch is complete and will soon be open to traffic.

Once the 76km stretch is operational, the travel time between Amane and Igatpuri will be significantly reduced to 40 minutes from the current 90 minutes or more during peak traffic. This stretch will bypass Kasara Ghat.

Currently, while driving through the old Mumbai-Nashik highway, commuters have to climb 450 metres on the Western Ghats traversing through winding roads on the Kasara ghat. The new road, however, will cut down this elevation to only 160 metres, offering a straight road that will also help save fuel.

The stretch includes three interchanges at Igatpuri, Kutghar in Shahapur, and Amane in Thane. It features India’s widest tunnel, measuring 17.5 metres, and the state’s longest tunnel, an 8km stretch in Igatpuri, constructed at a height of 9.12 metres.

Additionally, the stretch includes 15 viaducts totaling 11km, with the longest viaduct in Shahapur spanning 2.28km and rising to a height equivalent to a 28-storey building (84 metres). Upon completion of this section, the travel time from Nagpur to Amane in Thane will be reduced to eight hours. Currently, 625km of the 701km Samruddhi Mahamarg is open to traffic between Nagpur and Igatpuri town.