Maharashtra: construction work of the longest tunnel in state completed

On Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Mahamarg, the longest tunnel in Maharashtra has been constructed, connecting the financial capital of India, Mumbai, with Maharashtra's second capital Nagpur.

The 7.78 km long double tunnel's civil construction is now complete. At Vasala, close to Igatpuri, on the border of the districts of Nashik and Thane, AFCON has built the Mumbai-Nagpur Greenfield Expressway.

The New Australian Tunneling Method, a cutting-edge construction technique, was used to construct the tunnel, with a lifespan of up to one hundred years.

It is the longest and widest highway tunnel in Maharashtra out of the six tunnels being constructed along the Greenfield Expressway. This 35 m wide, three-lane twin tunnel measures 7.78 km on the left and 7.74 km on the right.

With this tunnel, drivers would be able to pass through the Kasara Ghat in just 5 to 6 minutes compared to the 20 to 25 minutes it currently takes them to do so.

The pucca road project inside the Twin Tunnel is finally finished. Electric lighting, fans, and other tasks still need to be installed, which would be finished soon.

The tunnels of Samruddhi Mahamarg were built with a 100-year lifespan in mind. On this highway, the posted speed limit for cars is greater than 120 kmph. The New Australian Tunneling Method, commonly referred to as the design as you go method, is a cutting-edge construction technique that was used to build the tunnel.

Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, work on this crucial tunnel continued. While working, there were numerous difficulties to be overcome. Expert engineers and about 2000 workers are working on this project.

Ten districts in the state will pass through the Green Expressway, which would be constructed on Samruddhi Mahamarg for approximately Rs 55,000 crore.

These cities include Nagpur, Thane, Nashik, Ahmednagar, Jalna, Buldhana, Washim, Amravati, and Aurangabad. Additionally being built are expressway gas stations, CNG stations, electric chargers, hotels, etc.

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