Big update for road travellers, the full stretch of the Mumbai–Nagpur Expressway is finally ready. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the last 76-kilometre section, which runs from Bhiwandi to Igatpuri, on 2 May.
This marks the completion of the 701-kilometre high-speed corridor, also known as the Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg. With this, the entire route between Mumbai and Nagpur becomes fully operational.
What’s special about this final stretch?
The last leg, especially the part between Igatpuri and Amne village in Bhiwandi, was no easy task. It cuts straight through the hilly Sahyadri region, making construction quite tricky. Engineers had to work around steep slopes and tough terrain to get it done.
But now that it’s complete, you can expect a much smoother ride — especially if you’re travelling towards Nashik. The travel time from Mumbai to Nashik will drop by nearly an hour, cutting it down from the current 3 to 3.5 hours.
Safety Checks at Entry
Authorities are also tightening road safety. Right at the Mumbai-end entry gate, every vehicle will be checked for tyre condition, air pressure, and even drivers will be tested with breathalysers to ensure safe driving.
Overcoming Big Hurdles
The construction team faced a fair bit of obstacles on the way. They had to shift 62 low-tension electricity lines, reroute six major cables, and even coordinate with railway infrastructure to get things aligned. It was a massive effort, but it’s all sorted now.
How far does it reach?
This expressway is not just about connecting two cities. It runs through 26 talukas and 392 villages across 10 districts. In fact, it improves access to Mumbai and Nagpur for people in 14 more districts. That’s a game changer for local connectivity.
Drive Time and Emergency Services
Once the full route is open, you’ll be able to cruise at speeds of 100 to 110 km/h. So, driving from Mumbai to Nagpur will now take just 8 hours. That’s half the time it used to take — which was 16 to 17 hours.
In case of emergencies, travellers can contact the helplines: 1800 233 2233, 8181818155, and 108 (for ambulance services).
