Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Samruddhi Mahamarg – Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Ltd.
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Nagpur-Mumbai Super Expressway: Accelerating Connectivity and Growth
Problem
- Older highway from Nagpur to Mumbai required 16-18 hours to travel.
- Poor connectivity affected agriculture and industrial growth in Vidarbha and Marathwada.
- Lack of direct connectivity to JNPT port and Mumbai hindered economic growth.
- Limited employment opportunities in agro-based and manufacturing industries.
- High migration to urban areas due to lack of local develo
Solution
- Preparation of feasibility and detailed project reports with estimated project costs.
- Obtaining government approval and securing funds from banks and the state.
- Issuing notifications for land acquisition and obtaining environmental clearances.
- Appointing EPC contractors and engineers for project execution.
- Implementing the Nagpur-Mumbai Super Communication Expressway project effectively.
Outcomes
- Reduced Nagpur to Mumbai travel time to 7-8 hours with improved connectivity.
- Connected 10 districts directly and 14 districts indirectly across Maharashtra.
- Boosted agricultural and manufacturing industries in 24 districts by linking to Mumbai.
- Significantly increased employment opportunities in the connected regions.
- Enhanced tourism potential in the connected districts.
Challenges
- Securing funds and equity from banks and the state government.
- Acquiring land on schedule despite delays caused by the COVID pandemic.
- Obtaining permissions from Forest, Environment, and Railway departments.
- Relocating utilities like power lines, water lines, and a lake for construction.
- Procuring large soil quantities by deepening and desilting nearby water bodies.
Innovation
- Developing a high-speed expressway to reduce travel time from 16-18 hours to 7-8 hours.
- Establishing direct and efficient connectivity between 24 districts and JNPT port.
- Enhancing accessibility to Mumbai, the commercial capital of India, for economic growth.
- Enabling agricultural and industrial development in Vidarbha and Marathwada regions.
- Creating opportunities for agro-based and manufacturing industries to boost the state’s economy.
SKOCH Award Nominee
Category: Government Undertaking
Sub-Category: Government Undertaking
Project: Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Samruddhi Mahamarg
Start Date: 1-01-2019
Organisation: Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Ltd.
Respondent: Anil Kumar Gaikwad
http://mahasamruddhimahamarg.com/
Level: Excellence
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Case Study
Nagpur-Mumbai Super Expressway: Accelerating Connectivity and Growth
Introduction
The Nagpur-Mumbai Super Expressway is a transformative infrastructure project designed to enhance connectivity and drive economic growth in Maharashtra. Previously, the journey between Nagpur and Mumbai took 16-18 hours, hampering development in the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions. This project bridges the gap by providing a high-speed corridor, connecting these regions to Mumbai and the JNPT port, fostering growth across agriculture, industry, and tourism.
Problems
The older highway’s long travel time negatively impacted agricultural and industrial development in Vidarbha and Marathwada. Poor connectivity restricted access to the JNPT port and Mumbai, limiting the economic potential of 24 districts. This lack of infrastructure also curbed employment opportunities in agro-based and manufacturing industries, leading to high migration to urban areas. The absence of robust connectivity hindered the overall socio-economic development of the state.
Solutions
To address these issues, a detailed project report and feasibility study were prepared, estimating the project cost and ensuring viability. Government approval was obtained, and funding was secured from banks and the state. Land acquisition was planned with stakeholder involvement and adequate compensation for farmers. Necessary clearances from environmental, forest, and railway departments were acquired, and utilities such as power lines and water supply lines were relocated to facilitate construction. EPC contractors and engineers were appointed to execute the project effectively.
Outcomes
The implementation of the expressway reduced travel time between Nagpur and Mumbai from 16-18 hours to just 7-8 hours, significantly improving connectivity. It directly connected 10 districts and indirectly linked 14 more, boosting agriculture and manufacturing industries in 24 districts. Enhanced access to Mumbai revitalized the economic potential of these regions, creating self-employment and wage opportunities. Additionally, the expressway spurred tourism in connected districts, further contributing to regional development.
Challenges
The project faced several challenges, including securing funds and equity from banks and the state government. Land acquisition had to be completed within a scheduled timeline despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Obtaining permissions from environmental, forest, and railway departments was complex, and relocating utilities like high-tension power lines and water supply systems added to the difficulties.
Innovation
The project introduced several innovative approaches, including a high-speed expressway that drastically reduced travel time. Direct connectivity to the JNPT port and Mumbai provided a crucial economic lifeline to 24 districts. The expressway facilitated growth in agro-based and manufacturing industries while enabling better access to markets and resources. These innovations not only addressed existing challenges but also set a benchmark for future infrastructure projects.
Opportunities
The project opened avenues for future infrastructure development through structured land acquisition policies and stakeholder engagement frameworks. It highlighted the need for streamlined processes to obtain clearances across departments, setting a precedent for large-scale projects.
Summary
The Nagpur-Mumbai Super Expressway is a landmark project that redefined connectivity and economic growth in Maharashtra. By addressing critical challenges and implementing innovative solutions, it transformed the socio-economic landscape of 24 districts. The project not only reduced travel time and boosted industries but also laid the groundwork for future infrastructure development, paving the way for a prosperous and connected Maharashtra.
For more information, please contact:
Anil Kumar Gaikwad at vcmd@msrdc.in
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