The Maharashtra government has recently approved the construction of a 105-km express freight corridor connecting the upcoming Vadhavan Port in Palghar district to the Samruddhi Expressway at Bharvir in Nashik district. This decision, made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, marks a significant step towards improving freight movement and boosting the state's economy.
The high-speed corridor, which will be implemented by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), is projected to cost ₹2,528.90 crore, with ₹1,500 crore being raised through loans from HUDCO. The project is expected to be completed within three years. Once constructed, the corridor will drastically reduce travel time between Vadhavan Port and the Samruddhi Expressway to approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, a significant reduction from the current 4 to 5 hours. This will be achieved by bypassing the existing route via the Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway, which currently requires vehicles to travel nearly 183.48 km, including an unnecessary 82-km stretch. The new corridor will shorten the distance to 104.898 km, saving 78.582 km.
The corridor will pass through Dahanu, Vikramgad, Jawhar, and Mokhada talukas in Palghar district, and Trimbakeshwar and Igatpuri in Nashik district. This direct link is crucial for supporting the anticipated surge in cargo traffic from Vadhavan Port, a key component of the Centre's Sagarmala initiative. The port is poised to become a major hub for international maritime trade, and efficient connectivity to the hinterland is essential for its success.
Chief Minister Fadnavis has emphasized that the Vadhavan Port will revolutionize Maharashtra's logistics and trade ecosystem by directly connecting 24 districts via the Samruddhi Mahamarg expressway and feeder roads. He stated that the port, with its seamless road access and planned offshore airport, will unlock new economic corridors for Maharashtra. The government is also considering ideas for a brownfield airport near the Vadhavan Port to improve the area's logistical abilities.
The development is expected to catalyze growth for small, medium, and large industries, agriculture-related businesses, educational institutions, and IT companies. Additionally, local communities are expected to benefit from increased employment opportunities and access to new markets. The project aligns with the state's broader vision of developing a multimodal future, with skill-focused development programs to prepare the workforce for port-led jobs. A Maritime Acceleration Task Force has also been formed to expedite the implementation of port infrastructure projects.
