In a major boost to Maharashtra’s transport infrastructure and national logistics connectivity, the Union Cabinet has approved the construction of a 6-lane greenfield, access-controlled Nashik–Solapur–Akkalkot corridor under the BOT (Toll) mode. The ₹19,142-crore project, spanning 374 km, aligns with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan and aims to significantly reduce travel time, improve freight efficiency, and accelerate regional economic development.
Cabinet Clearance Underlines Focus on Integrated Infrastructure
The decision was taken by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, reaffirming the government’s emphasis on integrated, multimodal transport planning. The corridor will connect key regional and industrial hubs across Maharashtra while strengthening national east–west connectivity.
Strategic Connectivity Across National Expressway Network
The proposed corridor will seamlessly integrate with major national expressways and economic corridors, enhancing long-haul mobility:
-
Delhi–Mumbai Expressway near the Vadhawan Port interchange
-
Agra–Mumbai Corridor at Nashik via NH-60 (Adegaon junction)
-
Samruddhi Mahamarg at Pangri near Nashik
The project will also provide through connectivity from the west coast to the east coast, complementing the already-under-construction 4-lane Chennai–Hasapur corridor (700 km) via Thiruvallur, Renigunta, Kadappa, and Kurnool.
Major Gains in Travel Time and Logistics Efficiency
The primary objective of the access-controlled greenfield corridor is to enhance travel efficiency and logistics performance:
-
Travel time reduction: By nearly 17 hours, a 45% decrease from the current 31-hour journey
-
Distance reduction: Shorter by 201 km
-
Average operating speed: 60 km/h
-
Design speed: 100 km/h
These improvements will result in lower fuel consumption, reduced congestion, improved safety, and lower operating costs for freight and passenger vehicles.
Boost to Industrial Corridors and Regional Development
The corridor will significantly enhance freight movement to and from key National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) nodes, particularly Kopparthy and Orvakal.
Additionally, the Nashik–Talegaon Dighe section will fulfill the long-standing requirement of a Pune–Nashik Expressway, identified by NICDC and currently being pursued by the Government of Maharashtra.
The project is expected to catalyse economic growth across multiple districts, including:
-
Nashik
-
Ahilyanagar
-
Dharashiv
-
Solapur
High-Speed, Safe and Access-Controlled Design
Designed as a 6-lane access-controlled corridor with closed tolling, the project will ensure uninterrupted traffic flow and enhanced road safety. The modern design standards aim to minimise accident risks while supporting high-speed and high-capacity traffic movement.
Significant Employment Generation
The project is projected to create substantial employment opportunities:
-
Direct employment: 251.06 lakh man-days
-
Indirect employment: 313.83 lakh man-days
Further employment is expected to be generated through increased economic activity, industrial growth, logistics services, and ancillary development along the corridor.
Conclusion
The approval of the Nashik–Solapur–Akkalkot 6-lane greenfield corridor marks a decisive step towards strengthening India’s expressway network and logistics backbone. By integrating national corridors, reducing travel time, boosting industrial efficiency, and generating large-scale employment, the project exemplifies the transformative vision of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan and reinforces infrastructure-led economic growth in Maharashtra and beyond.
For more real-time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.
Source: PIB
