Final stretch of Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway to open on Maharashtra Day

In a recent update, Maharashtra is set to mark a major infrastructure milestone on May 1, Maharashtra Day , with the expected inauguration of the final 76-kilometer stretch of the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway. This last section, connecting Igatpuri to Amane, will complete the ambitious 701-kilometer expressway that links Mumbai with Nagpur, dramatically improving travel and connectivity across the state. The south-bound carriageway of the Thane Creek Bridge is also anticipated to open on the same day.

Anil Gaikwad, Managing Director of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), confirmed that both projects are fully ready for launch. Their opening is expected to significantly improve road access to key areas such as Navi Mumbai, Pune, and the under-construction Navi Mumbai International Airport. These developments are set to enhance both the safety and speed of travel throughout the region.

The Samruddhi Expressway, officially called the Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, has been developed in phases over several years. Initially conceptualized by former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the first stretch—from Nagpur to Shirdi—was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2022. This was followed by the Shirdi to Bharvir segment opened in May 2023 by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and then the Bharvir to Igatpuri portion, which became operational in March 2024 under MSRDC Minister Dada Bhuse.

Beyond reducing travel time between Maharashtra’s major cities, the expressway is expected to serve as a catalyst for economic development. It is poised to stimulate trade, boost tourism, and offer faster access to emerging infrastructure like the Navi Mumbai International Airport. Its completion symbolizes a leap forward in the state’s transportation capabilities.


There is speculation that Prime Minister Modi may be invited again to inaugurate the final stretch, especially since he is already scheduled to be in Mumbai on May 1 for the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit at the Bandra Kurla Complex. The state may take this opportunity to combine the two events in a symbolic celebration.

The opening of the final section of the Samruddhi Expressway marks the successful culmination of a transformative infrastructure project. It promises not only enhanced mobility but also new opportunities for economic growth and regional development across Maharashtra.