Cabinet Approves 6-Lane Nashik–Solapur–Akkalkot Greenfield Corridor Worth ₹19,142 Crore
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a 6-lane greenfield access-controlled Nashik–Solapur–Akkalkot Corridor in Maharashtra under the BOT (Toll) mode, with a total project cost of ₹19,142 crore.
The corridor, spanning 374 kilometres, is a major infrastructure initiative aimed at strengthening integrated transport connectivity in line with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. It will connect key regional and industrial cities including Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Dharashiv, Solapur, and Akkalkot, with onward connectivity towards Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh.
Strategic National Connectivity
The proposed greenfield corridor will seamlessly integrate with major national expressway networks. It will connect to the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway near the Vadhawan Port interchange, link with the Agra–Mumbai Corridor at Nashik (NH-60 at Adegaon), and merge with the Samruddhi Mahamarg at Pangri near Nashik. Once operational, the corridor will provide uninterrupted west coast to east coast connectivity, significantly improving long-distance freight and passenger movement.
At the eastern end, 4-lane highway corridors from Chennai Port to Hasapur (Maharashtra border) via Thiruvallur, Renigunta, Kadappa, and Kurnool are already under development, ensuring seamless inter-regional linkage.
Travel Time Reduction & Logistics Boost
Designed for a 100 km/h design speed and average operating speed of 60 km/h, the access-controlled corridor will reduce overall travel distance by 201 km and cut travel time by nearly 17 hours, a 45% reduction from the current 31-hour journey.
The project is expected to substantially improve logistics efficiency for freight linked to major NICDC nodes at Kopparthy and Orvakal, strengthening industrial supply chains across Maharashtra and southern India. The Nashik–Talegaon Dighe stretch also aligns with the long-pending Pune–Nashik Expressway requirement identified by NICDC and supported by the Maharashtra government.
Economic & Employment Impact
Beyond transport efficiency, the corridor is projected to be a strong economic catalyst for the region. According to official estimates, the project will generate approximately 251.06 lakh man-days of direct employment and 313.83 lakh man-days of indirect employment, along with additional livelihood opportunities arising from industrial, commercial, and service-sector growth along the corridor.
Safer, Faster, Future-Ready Infrastructure
The 6-lane access-controlled highway will feature closed tolling, high safety standards, and uninterrupted traffic flow, significantly reducing congestion and vehicle operating costs. It is expected to enhance the overall infrastructure ecosystem of Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Dharashiv, and Solapur districts, positioning them as key growth hubs in Maharashtra’s development roadmap.
With this approval, the Centre has taken another decisive step towards building future-ready, high-speed national infrastructure, reinforcing Maharashtra’s role as a critical logistics and industrial backbone of India.
— eSarkaar News
