Motorists planning to use the busy Samruddhi Expressway during the New Year rush should brace for significant delays. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has announced a series of planned traffic blocks spanning three days, starting December 27, to install crucial safety infrastructure.
Schedule and Locations of Traffic Stoppages
The safety work, part of the Highway Traffic Management System, will involve installing gantries at key stretches in Amravati district. These stretches, specifically near Dhamangaon Railway and Chandur Railway, are known for heavy vehicular movement, especially on weekends. Each traffic halt is expected to last between 45 to 60 minutes, potentially causing cascading delays for commuters, tourists, and long-distance travellers heading to Nagpur or Mumbai for celebrations.
MSRDC has issued a detailed lane closure schedule:
December 27: Mumbai-bound Carriageway Block
The first phase will affect the Mumbai-bound carriageway near Nagargaondi. Traffic will be stopped either between 2 pm and 3 pm or from 3 pm to 4 pm, depending on on-ground conditions.
December 28: Nagpur-bound Lane Block
The work shifts to the Nagpur-bound lane near Nagargaondi on the second day. A similar stoppage of one hour is planned, again either from 2 pm to 3 pm or 3 pm to 4 pm.
December 29: Dual Lane Blocks near Titwa
The final day will see two separate stoppages near Titwa. The Nagpur-bound lane will be halted either from 11 am to noon or noon to 1 pm. Later, the Mumbai-bound lane at the same location will face a block either between 3 pm and 4 pm or from 4 pm to 5 pm.
Purpose and Commuter Advisory
MSRDC officials clarified that the gantries are being installed to enhance traffic monitoring, regulation, and overall safety on the expressway. Given the expected disruption during a peak travel period, authorities have issued a strong advisory to the public.
Motorists are urged to:
- Plan their journeys well in advance.
- Factor in the possibility of extended delays.
- Maintain strict lane discipline near work sites.
- Follow all instructions from traffic personnel to ensure smooth traffic flow once work is paused.
Even brief stoppages on a high-volume corridor like the Samruddhi Expressway can have a magnified impact. Travellers are strongly recommended to account for this planned interruption to avoid missing their New Year plans.
