[anjan_c2007]

The Samruddhi Mahamarg, a 701 km superexpressway will connect Nagpur to Mumbai. The first stretch of about 520 kms plus connecting Nagpur to Shirdi is ready. It is due to be inaugurated by the Prime Minister on 11.12.22.

The first drive on this completed stretch of 520 plus kms was by Mr Devendra Fadnavis, Dy Chief Minister and Mr Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The Dy CM steered the Mercedes Benz SUV traversing the stretch and covering it in just over four hours. This was despite the people, officials and party workers welcoming them enroute.

The Dy CM was candid when he admitted that he had not driven such a long distance during the past eight years. He along with the Chief Minister said that this super expressway will be a game changer. Both the leaders went to Nashik and therefrom to separate destinations.

The Times of India report says that safe wildlife pathways along the route in forested stretches are yet to be completed.











About the owner of the SUV (above)

[RedTerrano]

Sharing some stunning pics, sourced from social media.
The aerial views are absolutely beautiful.
Sit back, belt up and enjoy.

But wait, there's More!

Apparently, a gentleman, one Pravin Kolhe is responsible for this epic photography!

Can't wait to glide down the velvet myself!
Fin.

[Dr.AD]

Originally Posted by RedTerrano

Apparently, a gentleman, one Pravin Kolhe is responsible for this epic photography!

Can't wait to glide down the velvet myself!

Fantastic road and fantastic photos! Thanks for sharing.

I too can't wait to drive there. Eagerly waiting for this road to open up.

I already have a "triangular" 3-day drive planned in my mind. Day 1: Bangalore to Mumbai. Day 2: Mumbai to Nagpur. Day 3: Nagpur to Bangalore.

I have already done the first and the last sections in one day before. Just waiting for the Mumbai-Nagpur road to open and I will do this drive just for the fun of it. Both I and my car are eagerly waiting for this drive. :-)

[narayans80]

I've been following this expressway news since 2019. There are atleast 2-3 youtube channels that do regularly. This video gives an idea on what to expect on inauguration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQmWbs2VTZY

It is best to be prepared with full tank and food before climbing up the ramp. This is what Shashi wrote (Pune - Nagpur : Route Queries) when he got to ride earlier this year.

The official exit ramp of Shirdi is at Dhotre gaon off the Shirdi-Kopargaon road. Whether this feeder road is surfaced remains to be seen.

Another thing to find is the best entry point from south side of Aurangabad. The expressway alignment is north of Aurangabad, am aware of 2 ramps on Lasur and Shahpur near Daulatabad (serving as exit for Ellora).

This inauguration would potentially change the west (Bombay, south Gujarat) to central/east India (MP, CG, WB) driving routes. The Nagar-Nasik-Surat greenfield will seal this further.

[livezero]

I stay in Pune, in a society where 80% residents are from Vidharba/Nagpur region. And hardly anyone would dare driving to hometown in a car. It was absolute nightmare. This expressway will surely change that. I am already making a plan to visit Nagpur/ Tadoba. And I am sure lot of other Mumbaikars and Punekars must be. I was never this excited to drive in Maharashtra.

[gismosin]

It's impressive. would love to drive down on this. Best place to make best use of features like ADAS, which will be very handy and will cut down driver fatigue, but I am sure it will take some time for wayside amenities to be set up. I also understand right now this will only be a partial opening and will take a while for it to open up completely.

I have a grand plan for 2025 to try this and then take the other beautiful expressway under construction, the Delhi-Mumbai expressway. I am really encouraged at the rate expressways are being built in the country.

[GeeTee TSI]

Dear MoRTH, please do something about the 120 kmph (ding! ding! ding!) speed alerts if the slew of current and upcoming highways permit upto 120

[sanjayrozario]

As a Mumbaikar who's now living in Bangalore, I've thoroughly enjoyed driving on the Karnataka highways. But now I can't wait to drive in Maharashtra - especially to Aurangabad, Nagpur & Tadoba. I'll definitely do Blr-Mum-Nagpur-Blr

[Vasanth]

I live in Mangalore. I wouldn’t mind driving 1000km from here to Mumbai and then to Nagpur just to drive on this spectacular Expressway. 700km in 8 hours. Thankfully our cars don’t have the 120kmph beeps.

[truezealous]

Most awaited inauguration! I am eagerly waiting for it to open since long . It will reduce travel time to my home town in Akola district. Another thing to explore is to find best route to connect this expressway from Pune to travel to Nagpur, I am thinking of connecting to this expressway near Shirdi via Nashik highway from Pune instead of travelling Pune - Nagar - Aurangabad.

[Leoshashi]

Had driven on this fantastic Expressway way back in June, and must say it is undoubtedly the best surfaced road I've ever been. More details shared hereLink (Pune - Nagpur : Route Queries)

[vivek95]

Fantastic !! Thanks for sharing those awesome pics. Waiting to drive on 12th or 13th from Shirdi to Nagpur and back just for the sake of it. I will be starting from Navi Mumbai. Like everyone else, I have been eagerly waiting for this Expressway ever since it's first announcement.

[BigB]

Yours truly played a part in this project... One of the creations..


Attachment 2387615

[famousshoes]

Originally Posted by BigB

Yours truly played a part in this project... One of the creations..


Attachment 2387615

Did you design / build the bridge? looks quite cool

[BigB]

Originally Posted by famousshoes

Did you design / build the bridge? looks quite cool

Thanks.

I was leading the Structural Design Team for certain stretches of this project. This Bow String Bridge, as it is called, was part of one of those packages.