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Nagpur: Nearly two years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, connecting Mumbai with Nagpur, essential amenities for motorists along the expressway are still missing. The absence of facilities like fuel stations, eateries, garages, public conveniences, and first aid clinics has increased the risk of accidents, a concern that the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is now addressing. The first set of wayside hubs is expected to be operational within the next six months.
According to a State Highway Police official as reported by HT, “Highway hypnosis is one of the leading causes of accidents on the Samruddhi Expressway.” The lack of proper rest stops has made the highway more prone to mishaps.
In 2023, the MSRDC initiated plans to develop wayside amenities, selecting four locations across Aurangabad and Nashik districts. However, technical issues led to the cancellation of the tendering process. Now, in a renewed effort, MSRDC has drawn up plans to establish 16 wayside hubs – eight in each direction. Each hub will span around four hectares, with space dedicated to parking, garages, restaurants, and other conveniences.
An MSRDC official stated, “Three hectares will be allocated for parking, while the remaining one hectare will house the amenities.” Additionally, oil marketing companies have been allotted land at 24 locations for fuel stations, ensuring that all hubs will include refueling options.
Tenders for the development of these hubs were floated earlier this month, and once private players are selected, they are expected to complete the construction of temporary facilities within three months, with permanent structures following later. Firms will be granted operational rights for a period of 60 years, starting with services from portable cabins until permanent infrastructure is built at their own cost.
With the introduction of these hubs, motorists can expect a safer and more convenient journey on the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway, significantly reducing the risks of long-distance travel.
