Samruddhi Mahamarg trip from Mumbai to Nagpur & back: My observations

Google maps behaves erratically due to network issues. It is best to download map before the start of the journey.

BHPian somersault recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Drove on the Samruddhi Highway on 7th from Mumbai to Nagpur and on 10th from Nagpur to Mumbai. My observations of the highway.

Good things -
1. Reduces the time considerably. Straight line drive. So lesser fatigue to the mind to check for other vehicles.
2. Can drive with Cruise control for the complete journey. I used cruise with 118 KMPL setting.
3. Road surface is generally good. Tires need to be big and with high ratings to drive safely.

Things to watch -
1. Road kills at night and the dead animals on the road
2. Highway Hypnosis. Specially with cruise control. Take a compulsory break every 2 hours to reduce fatigue.
3. Risky for single person journey from the point of highway fatigue.
4. Saw many vehicles with punctures and people replacing tires on the shoulder. This is definitely a tire maintenance issue.

Things to consider for planning -
1. Plan the petrol pumps visits. Make the tank full at Padgha or Igatpuri when driving from Mumbai to Nagpur. Make another tank full at around Jalna and then another one around Buti Bori. For return, full tank at Sindi next to Nagpur then around Aurangabad area and then in Kasara / Shahapur.
2. No proper food malls but now small BP or IOC branded snacks/chai shops are coming up at the petrol pumps. You can get Misal Pav, Pav bhaji, lassi, chaas etc at those places.
3. At 3 petrol pumps air compressors were not working. Please carry your own portable air compressor. Since the network on the highway is limited, carry your own air inflator for tubeless tires.
4. Google maps behaves erratically due to network issues. It is best to download map before the start of the journey.

Notes -
Saw just one accident on the way. Otherwise safe and peaceful journey. Saw couple of police vans at the medians with speed guns measuring speeds.

Summary - Overall a great way to travel if your car and tires can support.

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