The Vadhavan Port is set to emerge as a major economic hub for Palghar district, Maharashtra and the country, with linked infrastructure projects progressing steadily, Minister Dadaji Bhuse informed the state Assembly. He said work on the connector road linking Vadhavan Port with the Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Samruddhi Mahamarg is expected to begin shortly.

The proposed freight corridor will play a critical role in accelerating Maharashtra’s port-led development strategy. The connector road will be around 104–105 kilometres long and developed as a six-lane, 3+3 highway. The planned width of the highway will be 100 metres, while tunnels along the route will be 80 metres wide.

Designed for a top speed of 100 km per hour, the corridor will significantly reduce travel time. The existing route length of about 183 kilometres will be cut to 104 kilometres, saving nearly 78 kilometres. As a result, travel time is expected to fall from four to five hours to around one to one-and-a-half hours.

The highway will pass through Dahanu, Vikramgad, Jawhar and Mokhada in Palghar district, and Trimbakeshwar in Nashik district, covering a total of 65 villages. Bhuse said preparation of the detailed project report is under way and the project is estimated to cost around Rs 140 billion.

He added that the project will be taken forward only after consultations with local farmers, landowners and residents to address concerns and ensure inclusive development.