Nashik (Maharashtra) [India], June 5 (ANI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday hailed the Hindu Hridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg as a transformative project for the state, calling it a “corridor of prosperity.” Speaking during the inauguration of the final phase of the highway and the Thane Bay Bridge No. 3 South Channel on Sion Panvel Highway via videoconferencing, CM Fadnavis highlighted the multifaceted economic and environmental benefits the project is expected to bring.
The Chief Minister announced that the 701-kilometre Samruddhi Highway, built at a cost of ₹55,335 crore, will soon be connected to Vadhavan Port, expanding its impact. He emphasized that this major infrastructure project links 24 districts—including Vidarbha, Marathwada, and North Maharashtra—to both JNPT and the upcoming Vadhavan Port, enabling faster transport of goods and fostering regional development.
According to an official statement, 76 kilometres of the highway pass through the Nashik and Thane districts, traversing the challenging Sahyadri mountain range. To overcome this engineering challenge, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) constructed an eight-kilometre tunnel near Igatpuri—the longest in Maharashtra and the widest in India.
The Chief Minister also spotlighted the highway’s environmental and technological innovations. The Forest Department will plant trees along the Palkhi route. Over 1,000 farm ponds and water recharge systems every 500 meters have been developed. A 35 MW solar energy project is under construction along the highway. GAIL has installed a gas pipeline that will supply newly developed areas such as the Steel City in Gadchiroli.
Wildlife protection measures have also been taken seriously, with the construction of 100 dedicated animal crossings—the first of their kind in the country—allowing for safe and uninterrupted movement of wild animals.
Looking ahead, CM Fadnavis announced plans for the Shaktipeeth Highway, aimed at transforming Marathwada’s economy. He reiterated that spiritual, religious, and tourist sites are being integrated into the state’s highway development strategy.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde praised the project for saving time, reducing pollution, and supporting agriculture, tourism, and industrial growth. He described the Samruddhi Mahamarg as a game-changer and emphasized the importance of adhering to speed limits to ensure safety.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, extending greetings on World Environment Day, announced a goal to plant 10 crore saplings in the state this year. He commended the MSRDC officers, staff, and workers for their dedication to completing the massive project and noted that other state infrastructure initiatives would now accelerate.
The event was attended by senior officials and citizens, with School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse and Public Works Minister Shivendrasinh Raje Bhosale also present. (ANI)
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