Samruddhi Expressway Begins Solar Power Rollout

29 Sep 2025 CW Team

The Hindu Hridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, the 701-kilometre expressway linking Nagpur and Mumbai, is set to go solar under an ambitious renewable energy initiative by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).

The project commenced with the installation of solar panels at Karjalad in Buldhana and Mehkar Interchange in Washim district. Since its inauguration on 11 December 2022, the corridor has seen over 25 million vehicles. The expressway’s master plan includes a total of 204 MW of renewable capacity along its length.

The green power generated will both light the expressway and supply the grid under existing power purchase agreements. In the first phase, Karjalad and Mehkar are together generating 5 MW — 3 MW from Karjalad and 2 MW from Mehkar, which began supplying power on Monday.

Electricity sales are governed by a 2022 agreement with Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) at Rs 3.05 per unit under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana (MSKVY).

Beyond toll collections and leasing spaces for amenities, MSRDC expects solar power to create new revenue streams. Carbon credits from clean electricity will further strengthen the corporation’s finances, supporting future infrastructure borrowing and expansion. Plans are also in place to replicate this solar model at major interchanges of upcoming expressways across Maharashtra.

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