The Maharashtra government has approved the development of a 104.89‑km high‑speed freight corridor linking the upcoming Vadhavan Port in Palghar district with the Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg at Bharvir in Nashik district.
The decision, taken at a state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, is expected to cut travel distance, save fuel and time, and significantly enhance trade connectivity for regions including Vidarbha, Marathwada, and North Maharashtra.
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) will execute the project with ₹1,500 crore in financial support from HUDCO. With a total estimated cost of ₹2,528.90 crore, the corridor is slated for completion within three years.
Vadhavan Port, being developed as a major transshipment hub by Vadhavan Port Project Limited, is expected to handle substantial volumes of international cargo once operational. The direct link to the Samruddhi Expressway will enable quicker and more cost‑efficient movement of goods to and from the port, benefiting Maharashtra and other regions across India.
Currently, travel from Vadhavan to the Samruddhi Expressway requires a 183.48 km journey via the Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway. The new corridor will cut this distance down to 104.89 km—saving 78.58 km. Travel time will also shrink from the current 4-5 hours to just about 1 to 1.5 hours. This high-speed route will pass through key regions like Dahanu, Vikramgad, Jawhar, and Mokhada in Palghar district, and Trimbakeshwar and Igatpuri in Nashik district. The improved connectivity is expected to benefit local businesses, including small and medium industries, agri-enterprises, educational institutions, and IT companies.
Local communities stand to gain significantly through new employment opportunities and access to wider markets. By integrating port and highway infrastructure, officials say the state government is not just building roads—it’s building a future-ready Maharashtra. As per sources within the state government, to boost connectivity in the region, a plan for an airport in Palghar district is also under consideration. The feasibility report of this has been submitted to the state government.
