Cabinet approves Construction of 6-lane greenfield Nashik- Solapur-Akkalkot Corridor in Maharashtra

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a major infrastructure project: the construction of a 6-lane greenfield access-controlled corridor from Nashik to Solapur–Akkalkot in Maharashtra.

Project Highlights
- Length & Cost: 374 km corridor with a capital cost of ₹19,142 crore.
- Mode: Built on BOT (Toll) model, ensuring private sector participation in financing and operation.
- Connectivity:
- Links Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Solapur, and Akkalkot.
- Connects to Delhi–Mumbai Expressway near Vadhawan port interchange.
- Integrates with Agra–Mumbai corridor at Nashik (NH-60 Adegaon).
- Ties into Samruddhi Mahamarg at Pangri (near Nashik).
- Provides through connectivity from west coast to east coast, complementing the Chennai–Hasapur corridor already under progress.

Efficiency Gains
- Travel Time Reduction: From 31 hours to ~17 hours (45% cut).
- Distance Reduction: 201 km shorter route.
- Design Speed: 100 km/h, supporting average vehicular speeds of 60 km/h.

Economic & Social Impact
- Boosts logistics efficiency for freight linked to National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) nodes at Kopparthy and Orvakal.
- Supports development of the Pune–Nashik Expressway.
- Generates approx. 251 lakh man-days of direct employment and 314 lakh man-days of indirect employment.
- Enhances infrastructure in Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Dharashiv, and Solapur districts.

Broader Significance
This corridor is part of the PM Gatishakti National Master Plan, aiming to integrate transport infrastructure across India. It promises safer, faster, and uninterrupted connectivity for both passengers and freight, while catalyzing regional economic growth.