Nashik-Solapur-Akalkot Greenfield Corridor

Context

Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the construction of a six-lane greenfield corridor connecting Nashik, Solapur, and Akkalkot in Maharashtra at a total cost of ₹19,142 crore.

Project Structure and Model

• This approximately 374-km-long corridor will be developed under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) toll model. The project is part of the Pradhan Mantri GatiShakti National Master Plan.
• It aims to improve regional and inter-state connectivity while strengthening India's integrated transport infrastructure under the Pradhan Mantri GatiShakti National Master Plan.

Route and Connectivity

• The proposed corridor will connect Kurnool to major regional centers such as Nashik, Ahilyanagar, and Solapur. It is planned to connect it to several important national highways and expressways, including:
  • Delhi-Mumbai Expressway near the Wadhawan Port Interchange
  • Agra-Mumbai Corridor in Nashik
  • Samruddhi Mahamarg near Pangri
• Upon completion, the project will ensure seamless connectivity between India's western and eastern coasts.

Impact on Travel Time and Logistics Efficiency

• According to government estimates, the construction of this corridor will significantly reduce travel time. The current journey time of approximately 31 hours will be reduced to 17 hours, a reduction of approximately 45%. This will also reduce travel distance by approximately 201 kilometers.
• This will improve freight and logistics efficiency, especially for National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC)-linked hubs like Kopparthi and Orvakal.

Employment Generation

• In terms of employment generation, the project is estimated to generate approximately 25.1 million man-days of direct employment and approximately 31.4 million man-days of indirect employment.
• Additionally, additional employment opportunities are expected to be created through increased economic activity along the corridor.

Other Facts

• The Nashik-Talegaon Dighe section of the project will also complement the Pune-Nashik Expressway, which has been identified by the NICDC and is being implemented by the Maharashtra government.
• Designed as a high-speed and controlled corridor, the highway will be able to accommodate an average vehicle speed of 60 kmph, compared to its design speed of 100 kmph. per hour.
• The project is expected to reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety, reduce operating costs, and ensure seamless movement of passenger and freight traffic.
• The corridor is also expected to contribute to regional economic development by improving infrastructure in Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Dharamshala, and Solapur districts.