Motorists from Nashik who regularly use the Samruddhi expressway for trips to Mumbai have expressed strong approval for a recent infrastructure announcement. The Maharashtra government has revealed plans to connect the Samruddhi expressway directly with the Eastern Freeway. This development aims to significantly speed up travel times for commuters heading into Mumbai.
Current Traffic Bottleneck at Amne Village
Drivers from Nashik currently face a major traffic slowdown at Amne village. This is the point where vehicles exiting the Samruddhi expressway must merge onto the older Nashik–Mumbai Expressway. The merge creates congestion that typically adds an extra hour to the journey towards Thane, Mumbai, or its suburbs. The daily hassle has been a source of frustration for many regular travelers.
Official Announcement and On-Ground Work
"The Chief Minister has announced that work on linking these two critical highways—Samruddhi and Eastern Freeway—will commence shortly to ease traffic in this section," stated Ramesh Jadhav, a frequent traveler to Mumbai. Jadhav's sentiment reflects the broader relief felt by the commuting community. Initial construction activity is already visible to some observers.
A senior officer from the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation confirmed progress. "We can see tunnel work being carried out at Ghodbunder Road," the officer noted, indicating that preparatory steps are underway. This physical work signals the state's commitment to moving the project forward.
Expected Benefits for Commuters
Once completed, the direct link is expected to transform the travel experience. Motorists will bypass the congested Amne village merge, leading to a smoother and faster drive. The primary goal is to reduce overall travel time, allowing people to reach their destinations in Mumbai much earlier than before. This improvement will benefit both personal and commercial traffic flowing from Nashik.
The project represents a significant step in Maharashtra's ongoing infrastructure development. It addresses a specific pain point for a key travel corridor. For Nashik's residents and businesses, the enhanced connectivity promises greater convenience and efficiency on the road to Mumbai.
