Samruddhi last-leg inauguration: Port-led development to link all corners of Maharashtra, Shaktipeeth next, says Fadnavis

Time of India

2 days ago

Nashik: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, alongside deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, launched the final phase of the Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thakre Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg at Igatpuri in Nashik on Thursday.
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The CM announced the state's commitment to continue major infrastructure development, including the planned access-controlled Shaktipeeth highway connecting Marathwada to Konkan.
"The inauguration of the last 76km section of the 701km Nagpur-Mumbai expressway marks the completion of the promise made by Mahayuti for the development of the state. It now links 24 districts directly and indirectly with the ports under the state's port-led development plan.
This road will also be connected to JNPT and the new proposed Vadhavan Port," said Fadnavis.
The section from Igatpuri (Nashik) to Amne (Bhiwandi taluka, Thane) was officially opened by Fadnavis, Shinde, Pawar, education minister Dada Bhuse, and minister of state Meghana Sakore-Bordikar. Fadnavis discussed the initial resistance encountered during the project's planning stages.
"We are happy to see Mahayuti laying the foundation and now inaugurating the project, thanks to the trust shown by the people.
Similarly, we will construct the access-controlled Shaktipeeth highway with the potential to give an economic boost to Marathwada," said Fadnavis, expressing gratitude to all workers, contractors, and engineers involved.
The project includes a gas pipeline alongside the highway for industrial purposes, particularly supporting Gadchiroli's steel sector. Additional features comprise solar power generation target exceeding 500MW and water recharge systems at 500m intervals.
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Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde said certain groups attempted to obstruct the highway's construction, temporarily affecting progress. "With Mahayuti assuming office again, the work picked up pace right up to the completion and further planning for the access-controlled grid across the state," said Shinde.
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar discussed how government support for farmers changed opposition perspectives.
"We had a meeting in the then Aurangabad to oppose the expressway. But after govt announced the road, benefits, and land acquisition rates, the opposition turned into acceptance," recalled Pawar, affirming Mahayuti's commitment to similar project execution speeds.
CM Fadnavis also inaugurated the Thane creek bridge No 3, on the south side on the Sion-Panvel highway. He said would ease the movement of the traffic between Sion and Panvel.
Officials, meanwhile, emphasised on safety measures, cautioning against stopping on the 120 kmph speed-limit highway
Addressing questions about Eknath Shinde driving from Igatpuri, Fadnavis said: "We are in the habit of sitting in each other's car. We are also used to driving. Our car is also going very fine. We three drive the car in three different shifts to ensure the development of the state." The politicians took turns driving, with Shinde initially at the wheel and Fadnavis beside him and Pawar in the rear. Then, Fadnavis drove the car with Shinde seated next to him and Pawar in the rear seat.