Maharashtra's Samruddhi Expressway Boosts Travel, But Safety Concerns Linger
Inaugurated in December last year, the Samruddhi Expressway, also known as Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, has witnessed a steady rise in commuters. Stretching across 700 km, this expressway has become a crucial route in the state, attracting travelers from different parts of Maharashtra. However, the expressway has been marred by a series of unfortunate mishaps, causing panic among both travelers and authorities.
Addressing the growing concerns about road safety, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Limited (MSRDC) is taking proactive steps to enhance the travel experience on the Samruddhi Expressway. Inspired by the notion of "highway hypnosis," where drivers experience fatigue due to long, uninterrupted drives, MSRDC now aims to attract investors for the development of roadside amenities.
In a bid to foster a safer and more comfortable travel experience, MSRDC is seeking investors to develop eateries and hotels along the Samruddhi Expressway. The plan includes offering land parcels of minimum 4 hectares, except for one in Ganeshpur at 3.10 hectares, for the development of these amenities. However, the reserve price set by MSRDC might limit potential investors to those with substantial financial resources.
To facilitate the development of amenities, MSRDC has adopted a land pooling model, targeting landowners in Warzadi Tehsil (Aurangabad district) and Nashik district, particularly at km 400 and 410 on both the Mumbai and Nagpur sides. Alongside these sites, four others at Aurangabad and Nashik exits, as well as Nagpur and Mumbai, are also available. With land parcels ranging from 10-12 hectares, MSRDC has set a reserve price of Rs. 50 crore for each site.
Emphasizing the importance of providing comprehensive roadside amenities, MSRDC is keen on attracting a single developer to bid for all 20 land parcels along the Samruddhi Expressway. The development of these amenities is being overseen by the Nagpur Mumbai Super Communication Expressway Limited, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) of MSRDC. With plans to incorporate upscale restaurants and hotels, this initiative aims to create a safer and more enjoyable travel experience for all commuters.
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