Maharashtra Government Greenlights Major Expressway Project in Vidarbha Region
The Maharashtra state government has officially approved the implementation of a significant 94.241-kilometer access-controlled expressway that will connect the districts of Bhandara and Gadchiroli. According to a government resolution issued on Wednesday, administrative sanction of Rs 931.15 crore has been granted specifically for land acquisition and associated interest costs.
Project Execution and Financial Details
The ambitious infrastructure project will be undertaken by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). This financial approval follows a crucial cabinet decision made on September 16, 2025, which included permission to immediately commence land acquisition proceedings.
The revised alignment of the expressway comprises two distinct stretches:
- The first stretch runs from the Savarkheda interchange on the existing Nagpur–Gondia access-controlled expressway to Koknagad on National Highway 53, covering a distance of 24.705 kilometers.
- The second stretch extends from the Borgaon interchange to Rammochan on National Highway 353D, spanning 69.536 kilometers.
Combined, these two sections create the total project length of 94.241 kilometers. The administrative sanction breaks down into Rs 534.46 crore allocated as the principal land acquisition cost and Rs 396.69 crore designated as estimated interest, culminating in the total approved amount of Rs 931.15 crore.
Procedural Requirements and Financial Safeguards
In accordance with established Public Works Department procedures, detailed proposals concerning financial planning, draft tender documents, concession agreement frameworks, and funding structures will be presented to the cabinet for prior approval before project execution begins.
As suggested by the finance department, the state government has also approved the inclusion of a critical condition in HUDCO's letter. This condition stipulates that the Government of Maharashtra will utilize state funds to cover any shortfall or deficit in MSRDC's revenue stream, ensuring timely repayment of HUDCO loan installments.
Strategic Importance and Regional Impact
This expressway project represents a vital component of a broader initiative to strengthen Vidarbha's road infrastructure by linking key eastern Maharashtra districts to the state's expanding expressway network. Once completed, the Bhandara-Gadchiroli access-controlled expressway will seamlessly integrate with the Samruddhi Mahamarg (the Mumbai–Nagpur expressway), significantly enhancing connectivity for Gadchiroli, Bhandara, and Nagpur.
The new expressway is projected to shorten travel distances by approximately 23 kilometers between major destinations, facilitating faster movement of goods and people across the tribal and backward regions of Vidarbha. Officials involved in planning and execution emphasize that the expressway will substantially reduce travel time and transport costs.
Enhanced connectivity is expected to stimulate economic activity throughout the region, with improved road access supporting local agriculture, industry, and tourism by effectively linking remote areas with urban markets and logistics hubs. This infrastructure development promises to transform transportation dynamics and economic prospects in eastern Maharashtra.
