Agra-Mum highway's 98 km concrete plan halted

The plan of converting the 98-km segment of the Agra-Mumbai national highway, situated between Nashik and Bhiwandi bypass, into a concrete road has been put on hold by the NHAI. It has been stated that commuters traveling between Nashik and Mumbai will face issues related to potholes on the Ghoti-Igatpuri-Kasara stretch of the highway during the monsoon season due to this decision. NHAI will be observing the traffic flow on the Nashik-Mumbai section of the Samruddhi expressway, which is expected to be accessible to the public in the early months of next year. Following this assessment, a decision will be made concerning the aforementioned project. An officer stated, Once the final phase of the Samruddhi expressway, connecting Ghoti to Mumbai, becomes operational by the end of this year, it is likely that motorists will prefer using the expressway. We will evaluate the situation at that point to determine any necessary actions. Back in October 2021, Nitin Gadkari, the Union minister for road transport and highways, had announced the initiative to transform the highway into a concrete road in order to eliminate the problem of potholes during the monsoon season. The NHAI officials had initiated the preparation of a comprehensive project report (DPR) for this purpose. The project is currently suspended. An official, who wished to remain anonymous, mentioned, The final phase of the Samruddhi Expressway, connecting Bharvir Khurd to Mumbai, is anticipated to be completed by the conclusion of this year. Consequently, there is a strong likelihood that travelers to and from Mumbai will opt for this route for their journey between Ghoti and Mumbai. Similar to the situation after the construction of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, there was a significant reduction in traffic on the old Mumbai-Pune highway. In the meantime, the 60-km portion of the highway passing through Nashik city, from Pimpalgaon to Gonde, will be surfaced with 'white-top'. Pimpalgaon Sado is linked to Bharvir, which is the Ghoti interchange point of the Samruddhi Expressway. Also read:  Mavala Tunnel Boring Machine successfully dismantled after breakthrough NHAI and Assam Forest Department collaborate for greener highways