Nashik Commuters Applaud Planned Highway Link for Faster Mumbai Access
Motorists from Nashik who regularly use the Samruddhi Expressway to reach Mumbai have expressed strong support for a new infrastructure project. The Maharashtra government recently announced plans to connect the Samruddhi Expressway directly with the Eastern Freeway. This crucial link promises to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of daily commuters.
Current Traffic Bottlenecks Cause Major Delays
Drivers currently face a frustrating slowdown after exiting the Samruddhi Expressway at Amne village in Thane district. From this point, traffic merges onto the older Nashik–Mumbai Expressway. The resulting congestion, particularly through Bhiwandi and Thane, often adds a full extra hour to the journey. Vehicles must navigate bumper-to-bumper conditions for approximately 25 kilometers, crawling at speeds as low as 40 kmph after enjoying high-speed travel on the Samruddhi corridor.
"This sudden shift from highway speeds to a virtual standstill creates a new bottleneck," explained Jayesh Misal, a Nashik-based businessman. "You experience smooth, fast driving, then hit a wall of traffic. It defeats the purpose of having an expressway."
Official Announcement Sparks Optimism Among Travelers
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that the linking work will proceed swiftly. The project aims to decongest the heavily trafficked section passing through Thane city. Frequent traveler Ramesh Jadhav shared the common sentiment of relief and anticipation. "This is exactly what we have been waiting for," he stated. "We are hopeful that this connection will be built with the same efficiency as the Samruddhi Expressway itself."
How the New Link Will Transform the Journey
The proposed connection will create a seamless, high-speed route from Nashik to central Mumbai. Instead of diverting through Thane, motorists will continue directly onto the Eastern Freeway extension. This will allow them to bypass the most congested urban sections entirely.
A senior officer from the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation provided details on the ongoing work. "We are already observing progress on multiple fronts," the officer noted. Key developments include:
- Tunnel construction activity along Ghodbunder Road.
- Extension work on the Eastern Freeway between Ghatkopar and Thane.
- Expedited efforts on the critical Thane to Amne road section.
"The goal is to establish complete fast-lane connectivity all the way into Mumbai," the officer emphasized. Once finished, the integrated highway system will enable consistent, higher-speed travel. Commuters can expect to reach their destinations much earlier, making the Nashik-Mumbai corridor far more efficient and less stressful for daily users.
